Automated banking machine that operates responsive to data bearing records

ABSTRACT

An automated banking machine controlled responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that reads identifying data from a user card. A host banking system authorizes operation of an automated banking machine responsive to computer verification of the identifying data. The automated banking machine can dispense cash to an authorized machine user in a cash dispensing transaction, and have the user&#39;s bank account charged for the cash amount dispensed. The automated banking machine can acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for the checks. Cash can be dispensed from the machine to a user in exchange for a deposited check.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/313,370 filed Nov. 19, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,118,217, whichclaims benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. provisionalapplication 61/003,645 filed Nov. 19, 2007, and the disclosure of eachabove application is herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to automated banking machines that operateresponsive to data read from user cards, which may be classified in U.S.Class 235, Subclass 379.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Card activated automated banking machines are used to carry out bankingtransactions. Some automated banking machines are operated by consumers.Other automated banking machines may be operated by customer servicerepresentatives. For purposes of this disclosure an automated bankingmachine shall be deemed to include any apparatus that electronicallycarries out transactions including transfers of value. Automated bankingmachines may benefit from improvements.

OBJECTS OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

It is an object of an exemplary form of at least one embodiment toprovide an automated banking machine controlled by data bearing records.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of at least one embodimentto provide an automated banking machine system and method that acceptsdeposits and provides cash to a user.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of at least one embodimentto provide a deposit accepting apparatus.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of at least one embodimentto provide a deposit accepting apparatus for use in connection with anautomated banking machine.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of at least one embodimentto provide a deposit accepting apparatus which can be used to accept,image and verify the authenticity of items.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of at least one embodimentto provide a deposit accepting apparatus that accepts both sheets andenvelopes.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of at least one embodimentto provide a deposit accepting apparatus that can be used in existingautomated banking machine systems. It is a further object of anexemplary form of at least one embodiment to provide a deposit acceptingapparatus that has greater reliability.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of at least one embodimentto provide a deposit accepting apparatus that is more compact.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of at least one embodimentto provide methods of accepting deposited items.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of at least one embodimentto provide a method for verifying the authenticity of deposited items.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of at least one embodimentto provide a method for verifying the authenticity of deposited check.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of at least one embodimentto provide a method for handling and storing deposited items.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of at least one embodimentto provide an apparatus and method for correlating image and transactiondata to facilitate check processing.

Further objects of exemplary forms of embodiments will be made apparentin the following Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments and theappended claims.

The foregoing objects are accomplished in an example embodiment by adeposit accepting apparatus and method used in connection with anautomated banking machine. Such an automated banking machine may be usedto carry out transactions such as dispensing cash, checking accountbalances, paying bills and/or receiving deposits from users. Other typesof automated banking machines may be used to purchase tickets, to issuecoupons, to present checks, to print scrip and/or to carry out otherfunctions either for a consumer or a service provider.

Automated banking machines may have the capability of accepting depositsfrom users. Such deposits may include items such as envelopes containingchecks, credit slips, currency, coin or other items of value. Mechanismsmay be used for receiving such items from the user and transporting theminto a secure compartment within the banking machine. Periodically aservice provider may access the interior of the machine and remove thedeposited items. The content and/or value of the deposited items areverified so that a credit may be properly applied to an account of theuser or other entity on whose behalf the deposit has been made. Suchdepositories may include printing devices which are capable of printingidentifying information on the deposited item. This identifyinginformation enables the source of the item to be tracked and credit forthe item correlated with the proper account after the item is removedfrom the machine.

Automated banking machines may accept deposits from users in envelopes.Because the contents of the envelope are not verified at the time ofdeposit, the user's account generally is not credited for the deposituntil the envelope is retrieved from the machine and the contentsthereof verified. This may be done by persons who work for a financialinstitution. Delays in crediting a user's account may be experienced dueto delays in removing deposits from machines, as well as the time ittakes to review deposited items and enter appropriate credits. If thedeposited items include instruments such as checks, further delays maybe experienced. This is because after the instruments are removed fromthe machine they must be presented for payment to the appropriateinstitution. If the instrument is not honored or invalid the depositingcustomer's account cannot be credited for the deposit. Alternatively insituations where a credit has been made for a deposited instrument thatis subsequently dishonored, the user's account must be charged theamount of the credit previously given. In addition the user may incur a“bad check” fee due to the cost associated with the institution havingto handle a dishonored deposit. All of these complications may result indelays and inconvenience to the user.

Another risk associated with depositories in automated banking machinesis that deposited items may be misappropriated. Because deposited checksand other instruments are not cancelled at the time of receipt by theautomated banking machine, they may be stolen from the machine andcashed by unauthorized persons. Criminals may attempt to break into themachine to obtain the items that have been stored in the depository.Alternatively persons responsible for transporting items from themachine or persons responsible for verifying the items maymisappropriate deposited instruments and currency. Alternatively thehandling required for transporting and verifying the contents ofdeposits may result in deposited instruments being lost. Suchcircumstances can result in the user not receiving proper credit fordeposited items.

To reduce many of the drawbacks associated with depositories whichreceive deposits in the form of envelopes or other items, automateddevices that can read and cancel deposited instruments may be used. Anexample of such a device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,425 which isowned by a wholly owned subsidiary of the Assignee of the presentinvention. Such devices are capable of reading the coding on checks orother deposited items. For example bank checks include magnetic inkcoding commonly referred to as “MICR.” The MICR coding on a check can beused to identify the institution upon which the check is drawn. Thecoding also identifies the account number of the user and the checknumber. This coding may appear in one or several areas on theinstrument. Reading this coding in the automated banking machine enablesthe machine operator to determine the source of checks or otherinstruments that have been presented.

Imaging devices may also be used in processing instruments. Such imagingdevices may be used to produce data corresponding to an image of theitem that has been deposited. This image may be reviewed to determinethe nature of the deposited item, and along with the information thatcan be obtained from the coding on the instrument allows processing ofthe credit to the user much more readily. Automated instrumentprocessing systems also may provide the capability of printing anindication that the check or other instrument has been deposited andcancelled after it has been received. This reduces the risk that theinstrument will subsequently be misappropriated and cashed byunauthorized persons.

While automated deposit accepting and processing devices provide manyadvantages and benefits, such devices may also have drawbacks. Onedrawback is that instruments must often be precisely aligned forpurposes of reading MICR coding or other indicia which is included onthe instrument. This may require special mechanisms to preciselyposition and align the instrument with the reading devices included inthe device. A further drawback may be that such devices are required toturn and reorient the deposited instrument. The mechanisms for doingthis can be complex. Such complex mechanisms may encounter reliabilityproblems due to the precise tolerances that must be maintained. Furtherdifficulty is added by the fact that instruments that are received maybe creased, torn or soiled. Handling such items may be difficult.Instruments becoming jammed in such mechanisms may result in costlyrepairs and downtime.

A further drawback associated with some imaging systems in automatedbanking machines is that it is not practical to transmit an image of adeposited instrument for review and analysis at the time it is received.This is because the time and bandwidth necessary to capture and transmitan image of the deposited instrument may be longer than desirable.Extended transaction times may discourage the use of the machine. Afurther drawback is that even when images may be transmittedsufficiently quickly, the operator of the system is required to investin the resources necessary to analyze the transmitted image and make adetermination as to whether the deposited item should be accepted asvalid or not. Such capabilities may include employees who must reviewthe image and determine whether the item is genuine by comparison todata or other information such as examples of the customer's signature.Alternatively automated systems may be provided for analyzing the imageof the instrument or the data printed or typed thereon. Providing suchcapabilities may be costly for the systems operator. Advances inphotocopy technology also may make it difficult for operators of suchsystems to distinguish between genuine items and reproductions. As aresult even with carefully operated and administered systems there is arisk that deposited items which are not genuine may be accepted.

Certain standardized techniques have been developed for automatedbanking machine systems. The electronic message flows and formats thatmay be used for automated teller machines (ATMs) for example may notinclude the capability of transmitting a document image as part of thestandard message which requests that a deposit transaction beauthorized. As a result it has been difficult to achieve real time checkverification and cashing in widely distributed systems. Further, in somesystems it is difficult to readily correlate an image file with theparticular transaction with which the image file is associated.

An example embodiment by a deposit accepting apparatus used inconnection with an automated banking machine to achieve one or more ofthe objects discussed previously, may include a transport section. Thetransport section includes a transport which accepts items of variablethickness. Such items may include relatively thin single sheet-likeitems and relatively thick irregular shaped items such as depositenvelopes. The transport section includes a biasing mechanism forreliably engaging deposited items with moving mechanisms such as beltsor rollers in the transport section. The deposited items are reliablyengaged with such moving members to assure that the deposited item ismoved through the transport section.

The example transport section further includes an analysis moduleadjacent thereto. In the example embodiment the analysis module servesas an imaging device and is operative to analyze documents passingthrough the transport section. For purposes of this application animaging device includes any device that is operative to enable thegeneration of image data which corresponds to a visual appearance of atleast a portion of the document. In addition the analysis module isoperative to sense for features and characteristics of the documentwhich may be used to identify the document type. Alternatively or inaddition the analysis module may operate to sense properties of adeposited document which distinguish acceptable or genuine documentsfrom unacceptable documents.

In the example embodiment the transport section of the deposit acceptingapparatus is connected to a deposit holding module. The deposit holdingmodule includes at least two compartments therein. In the exampleembodiment the deposit holding module operates to move the compartmentsrelative to the transport section and to selectively place an outletfrom the transport section in communication with a desired one of thecompartments. For example when an envelope type deposit is accepted inthe transport section, the deposit holding module operates so that theenvelope is moved through the transport and deposited into a compartmentwhich is adapted for holding envelopes. Alternatively when a check orother sheet-like deposit is moved through the transport section, thedeposit holding module operates so that the sheet moves from thetransport section into a compartment which is designated for holding theparticular type of sheet. Of course in alternative embodiments manytypes of holding areas may be provided for many types of documents.

In an example embodiment described herein, a deposit accepting apparatusand method is used in connection with an ATM. The ATM includes one ormore computers therein (alternatively referred to herein as processorsor controllers) which operate to control the transaction functiondevices within the ATM including aspects of the deposit acceptingapparatus. When a customer at the ATM wishes to deposit an envelope orsimilar deposit containing item in the machine, the controller enablesthe customer to place the deposited envelope in the machine so that itmay engage the transport section. The computer also operates so that thedeposit holding module places the compartment for holding depositedenvelopes in communication with the transport section. The user isenabled to engage the deposit envelope with the variable force drivingsection which the computer causes to operate in a limited slip mode.Once the computer senses that the deposit envelope has been moved intothe transport section the variable force driving section may becontrolled so that the envelope is more positively engaged with themoving members in the transport. The deposit envelope is then movedthrough the transport past the analysis module.

In the example embodiment as the deposit envelope passes through thetransport section the computer causes a printing mechanism to printidentifying information on the envelope. The example embodiment of theinvention includes a printing mechanism which senses that the envelopehas moved into proximity with the printing mechanism. In response tosensing this condition the computer causes the printing mechanism tomove relative to the envelope so that printing may be reliably conductedthereon. The movement of the printing mechanism provides greaterassurance that the envelope will not catch on or be damaged by theprinter mechanism. Once printing has been conducted, the computer causesthe printing mechanism to be returned to a standby condition.

Upon passing through the transport section the deposited envelope passesinto the designated compartment. The entrance to the designatedcompartment is aligned with the outlet from the transport sectionthrough operation of the deposit holding module. Once the depositedenvelope has passed into the compartment within the module it is heldtherein until accessed by authorized personnel. Suitable lockingmechanisms and security procedures are provided so that only authorizedpersonnel are enabled to access the deposit. The identifying informationthat is printed on the envelope enables the association of the depositeditems with the particular customer or user of the automated bankingmachine.

In the example embodiment when the user wishes to deposit an instrumentsuch as a check, the automated banking machine operates to verify theauthenticity of the check and to read data therefrom. In response to theuser first providing appropriate identifying inputs and information, thecomputer in the ATM operates to enable a deposited item to engage thetransport section of the apparatus. The computer operates such that thedeposited item is initially engaged in a limited slip manner by thevariable force driving section and once sensed as substantially withinthe transport, operates to move the check in a generally nonslip manner.

The deposited item is moved in the transport section in the exampleembodiment in a first direction past sensors which enable the computerto determine its length. Once the length of the deposited item isdetermined by moving it in the first direction, movement of thedeposited item is stopped and the item is transported in an opposeddirection past the analysis module. In the example embodiment movementof the check past the analysis module enables the collection of datacorresponding to an image of the check as well as the sensing ofmagnetic properties in areas thereof. The example embodiment does notrequire that the deposited check be perfectly aligned in the transportsection for reading the check.

In an example embodiment the computer operates responsive to inputsprovided by the customer or responsive to other actions to recall frommemory data representative of a template which shows the layout ofinformation included on the particular type of item being deposited. Thecomputer operates to adjust the image data gathered from the depositeditem and to place it in correspondence with the template. Characters arethen analyzed from at least one selected area of the image in accordancewith the template to determine if such characters can be accuratelyidentified. If the computer determines that these particular characterscannot be accurately identified, the image data is then moved relativeto a template and further attempts are made to determine if data fromthe area of the template can be recognized. In the example embodimentthe data corresponding to the image of the check may be moved 180°relative to the first attempt. In this way if the check is deposited infor example, a face up orientation, either of two possible orientationsfor the check may be quickly analyzed. Of course alternative approachesmay be used and if after a set number of attempts it is determined thatthe data from a particular area of the check cannot be analyzed with asufficient degree of accuracy, further attempts may be discontinued andthe deposited item returned to the customer.

Once data from at least one area of the deposited item is determinedwith a sufficient level of assurance, data from at least one other areaof the item as determined by the template may be analyzed. In the caseof a check the ATM is operative to determine the amount of the check aswritten in the courtesy amount area. The computer operates to analyzethe characters and determine if the amount can be determined with asufficient level of assurance. In the example embodiment the computeroperates to locate and identify the courtesy amount using certainlandmark rules which identify the landscape and layout of the courtesyamount area. If the computer decides that the characters in the courtesyamount area may be determined with a sufficient level of assurance,further processing of the check is enabled to be conducted. In thealternative if the amount cannot be read with a sufficient level ofassurance, the deposited check may be returned to the customer.

In the example embodiment the computer operates to analyze thecharacters in the MICR line on the check as well as the courtesy amount.This data provides both the data sufficient to identify the institutionon which the check is drawn as well as the account number of the entityon whose account the check is drawn. The MICR line also includes datarepresentative of the check number and other information. The courtesyamount which is analyzed in the example embodiment indicates the amountof the check which has been presented. This information is oftensufficient for a financial institution or other entity operating theautomated banking machine to charge the appropriate entity for theamount of the check presented. In alternative embodiments the computermay operate to analyze characters located in the area of the check inwhich the legal amount is written. The amount determined as the legalamount of the check may then be compared to the courtesy amount forpurposes of determining whether both amounts have been read properly.Alternatively or in addition, the MICR line on the check may includeamount data in the case of some checks. In these cases the computer mayoperate to conduct additional comparisons between the analyzed amountsto verify that the amounts correspond and therefore have been readaccurately, or to determine discrepancies that may indicate that a checkhas been tampered with or other conditions that may suggest that it isnot advisable for the machine to accept such a check.

In the example embodiment the depository apparatus is also operative tosense for the presence of magnetic coding in appropriate locations onthe check. For example the computer is operative to verify that the inkin the area which has been identified as including the MICR coding hasmagnetic properties. This may provide greater assurance that thedocument presented is in fact a genuine printed check and not aphotocopy of a check. The computer may operate in addition to sensemagnetic or other properties from various areas appropriate for thedeposited document depending on data stored in memory. Further in somealternative embodiments the computer may operate to look for magnetic orother properties in areas of the check where such properties would notbe appropriate. Such sensing may reduce the risk of the machineaccepting fraudulent checks. Other embodiments may include read heads orother devices for reading features on a check corresponding to MICR linecharacters or other features magnetically.

In some embodiments the machine may operate to capture a complete imageof one or both sides of each check or other instrument. In someembodiments image data may be stored in correlated relation with datarelated to the transaction at the machine. In some embodiments the imagedata, with or without associated transaction data, may be delivered bythe machine to appropriate computers so that check processing may beconducted using the electronic image of the check rather than paperdocuments. In some embodiments check images may be stored at the machineand later delivered to appropriate systems for check processing. Inother alternative embodiments check images may be transmitted to othercomputers during the transaction so that such computers may furtheranalyze the check image data.

In an example embodiment the computer operating in the ATM is operativeto include data representative of the check data corresponding toinformation which corresponds to indicia on the check such as amount andMICR line data, into an electronic message requesting authorization ofthe ATM transaction. This authorization message is transmitted to anappropriate host computer. The computer analyzes the data to verify thatthe user operating the ATM is authorized to conduct a deposit, checkcashing or other transaction. In addition the host computer may operateto verify that the check data corresponds to data input by the customer.The host computer may further operate to determine or communicate withother computers to verify that the account data corresponding to thecheck corresponds to a valid account, that the check is not subject to astop payment order and/or that there are sufficient funds in the accountupon which the presented check is drawn to provide payment therefor.

In response to the host computer determining that the requested checkcashing transaction is suitable to be carried forward, an authorizationmessage is returned from the host computer to the ATM. The ATM operatesresponsive to instruction data included in the authorization message tocause the check to be moved through the transport section past theprinting mechanism. The printing mechanism operates to print indicia onthe check. This printed indicia may indicate that the check has beencancelled as well as indicate the particular account of the user towhich the check has been credited. In an example embodiment the printingmechanism operates in the manner previously discussed to move intoposition in response to sensing the check adjacent thereto. This againminimizes the risk of damage to the printing mechanism or the check.

The computer also operates to control the deposit holding module suchthat the appropriate compartment therein accepts the deposited check. Inthe example system the deposit holding module moves the compartment forholding the check into alignment with the outlet of the transportsection. The deposited check is then held within the compartment untilit is accessed by authorized personnel. Further, in the exampleembodiment the deposit holding module is operative after receipt of thecheck into the appropriate compartment to move a tamping member in thecompartment. The tamping member operates to assure that the depositedcheck as well as other checks in the compartment are properly tampedinto position so as to reduce the likelihood of interference withacceptance of subsequent checks. The deposited check is then held in theappropriate compartment until removed by authorized personnel.

In an example embodiment the ATM is programmed to correlate thetransaction identification data with the image data related to theparticular check received in the transaction. At a time after the ATMhas generated data corresponding to an image of the check, an imagemessage is generated by the ATM and sent to a remote computer. In theexample embodiment the image message includes the transactionidentification data as well as the data representative of images of thefront and back sides of the check in a single message. In the exampleembodiment the image message is sent to an image server which isoperative to receive and process the image and transaction data. Theexample image server is operative to tabularize the transaction datarelated to machines operated by a particular entity and to make theinformation and images related to transactions conducted by ATMsassociated with that entity available to authorized individuals. Thismay be done through password protection, digital certificates or othersecurity methodologies. Further in other alternative embodiments theimage server or other connected computers may be operative to sendinformation included in the image message and/or image data to aclearing house or other institution for purposes of achieving settlementbetween an entity upon which the check is drawn and another entityholding an account for an entity to which the check is payable. Inalternative embodiments the image server may operate to modify imagedata as appropriate to indicate that the check is an electronicsubstitute check. Further the image data may be transmitted andprocessed in lieu of a paper check so as to return evidence related tothe proper cashing and cancellation of the check through the institutionon which the check is drawn, and eventually to the maker of the check.Of course these approaches are examples and in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used.

While the example embodiment is used for accepting envelopes and checks,other embodiments of the invention may accept only checks or may processother types of instruments. These include for example utility bills,drivers' licenses, gaming materials, tax documents and other items. Suchitems may be analyzed by the analysis module described in the exampleembodiment for image and magnetic properties. Alternatively such itemsmay be analyzed for other properties which may be indicative of theirgenuineness and value. Further as can be appreciated, while the exampleembodiment accepts deposited items into the machine, other embodimentsmay accept items from a user, analyze them and return them to the user.This includes not only items which are considered unacceptable as isdiscussed in the example embodiment, but may also include items such asdrivers' licenses which are returned to the user after an image oranalysis is made thereof. Numerous types of systems and methods areencompassed within the scope of the present invention.

An example embodiment may include an apparatus comprising at least onemagnetic sensor, at least one optical sensor, at least one transport,and at least one processor inoperative connection with the at least onetransport, the at least one magnetic sensor, and the at least oneoptical sensor. The at least one transport is operative to move a checkacross the at least one magnetic sensor and the at least one opticalsensor. The check includes a first face and an opposed second face. Theat least one magnetic sensor is operative to detect magnetic signalsfrom at least one face of the check as the check crosses the magneticsensor. The at least one optical sensor is operative to detect opticalsignals from at least one face of the check.

In this described embodiment, the at least one processor is operative togenerate optical data and magnetic data corresponding to optical andmagnetic signals of the check respectively. The at least one processoris operative to determine a plurality of portions of the magnetic datawhich correspond respectively to a plurality of predetermined areas onat least one face of the check responsive to the optical data. The atleast one processor is operative to determine levels of magnetic signalscorresponding to each of the predetermined areas on the at least oneface of the check responsive to the plurality of portions of themagnetic data. In addition the at least one processor is operative todetermine whether the check is acceptable to deposit responsive to thedetermined levels of magnetic.

In one embodiment, the described apparatus may correspond to anautomated banking machine including a cash dispenser and a depositaccepting apparatus. The deposit accepting apparatus device includes theat least one magnetic sensor, the at least one optical sensor and the atleast one transport.

An example embodiment may include the deposit accepting apparatus mayinclude a scanner device operative to capture one or more color imagesof each side of a document. Such images are comprised of atwo-dimensional grid of pixels, which is representative of the visualfeatures of the surfaces of the document. To generate the grid of pixelsfor an image, the scanner is operative to scan the document onetransverse section at a time (referred to herein as a scan line) alongthe surface of the document. Each scan line captured by the scannercorresponds to a different row of pixels in the resulting image. Bycapturing scan lines incrementally along the length of a document, theentire surface of the document may be scanned into the two-dimensionalgrid of pixels.

In an exemplary embodiment, the scanner device may be operative toilluminate a document with different colored light sources (e.g., red,blue, green). The scanner device, may illuminate the document with onlyone color at a time, when capturing a scan line. However, rather thanrepeating the capture of the same scan line in the same location on adocument, for each of the colored light sources, an example embodimentmay capture a scan line using only one of the colored light sources. Thenext adjacent scan line (captured along the length of the document), maybe captured using only one of the colored light sources as well, butwhich colored light source is different than the colored light sourcesused for the previous scan line. Thus the sequence of scan lines thatcomprise a document from one end to its opposite end, may be captured ina predetermined sequence of different colors such as (red, green, blue,red, green, blue, red, green, blue . . . ).

In this embodiment at least one computer processor in the machine isoperative to carry out an extrapolation calculation for the non-scannedcolors for each pixel for each scan line from pixels in the non-scannedcolors in adjacent and/or relatively near scan lines. To increase theaccuracy of an extrapolation calculation for non-scanned colors of aparticular pixel, the adjacent/near pixels in the non-scanned colorsthat are in scan lines relatively closer to the particular pixel may begiven a higher weight in the extrapolation calculation than those pixelsthat are in scan lines relatively farther away. For example, in anextrapolation calculation for non-scanned colors for pixels in aparticular scan line, the weight accorded to the scanned pixels (in adifferent color) in a scan line immediately adjacent the particular scanline is given twice the weight accorded to pixels (in the same differentcolor) of a scan line two scan lines away on the opposite side from theparticular scan line.

In alternative example embodiments, two colors (via two of the threecolored light sources) may be initially scanned for each scan line. Thenon-scanned color for the pixels in a scan line may be extrapolated fromthe pixels scanned in that color in the surrounding scan lines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example automated banking machinewhich may be used in connection with a deposit accepting apparatus andmethod.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of components included within an automatedbanking machine of the type shown in FIG. 1 and a system in which theautomated banking machine is used.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of software components used in connectionwith the automated banking machine shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a deposit accepting apparatus used inconnection with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the deposit accepting apparatus shown inFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the deposit holding module of the transportapparatus with the deposit holding module in a condition for acceptingan envelope deposit into an envelope holding compartment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of hardware and software components used inconnection with the deposit accepting apparatus and the automatedbanking machine of the example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the interaction of components used inconnection with accepting documents in the deposit accepting mechanism.

FIGS. 9-12 describe an example embodiment of the logic flow executed byan automated banking machine in accepting a check through the depositaccepting apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an alternative system of an exampleembodiment including check accepting automated banking machines.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of an alternative system for processingcheck transaction data and image data related to checks received throughautomated banking machines.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the logic flow associated with a checkaccepting transaction conducted at an example automated banking machineused in connection with the system represented in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of an automatic banking machine operative togenerate color electronic images of a document.

FIG. 17 shows an example of how a document is scanned by illuminatingonly one of three different colored light sources for each scan line.

FIG. 18 shows an example of how a document is scanned by illuminatingonly two of three different colored light sources for each scan line.

FIG. 19 shows an example of a contact image sensor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Each of U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,185, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/371,330 are hereby incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety. Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown therein an exampleembodiment of an automated banking machine 10 which includes an exampledeposit accepting apparatus and which performs at least one operation.Automated banking machine 10 may correspond to an automated tellermachine (ATM). However it should be understood that the concepts andfeatures disclosed herein may be used in connection with various typesof automated banking machines and devices of other types. Automatedbanking machine 10 includes a user interface generally indicated 12.User interface 12 includes input and output devices. In the exampleembodiment the input devices include a plurality of function buttons 14through which a user may provide inputs to the machine. The exampleinput devices further include a keypad 16 through which a user mayprovide numeric or other inputs. A further input device in this exampleembodiment includes a card reader schematically indicated 18. Cardreader 18 may be of the type used for reading magnetic stripe cards,smart cards, RFID tokens or other articles presented by a user. Anotherinput device on the example machine includes an image capture device 20.The image capture device may be a camera or other device for capturingthe image of a user or the surroundings of the machine. The exampleembodiment may include biometric reading devices. Such devices mayinclude an imaging or reading device such as a fingerprint reader, irisscan device, retina scan device or other biometric input. It should beunderstood that the camera mentioned may serve as a biometric readingdevice in some embodiments.

The user interface 12 also includes output devices. In the exampleembodiment shown in FIG. 1 the output devices include a display 22.Display 22 includes a visual output device such as a CRT or LCD forproviding messages and prompts to a user. These messages and prompts maybe responded to by inputs from the user through the function buttons 14adjacent to the display or by inputs through the keypad 16 or throughother inputs. A further output device in the example embodiment includesan audio output device schematically indicated 24. The audio outputdevice may be used to provide audible outputs to the user. A furtheroutput device in the example embodiment includes a printer. The printermay be used to provide outputs in the form of receipts or other items orinformation to the user. The printer is in connection with a printeroutlet in the user interface indicated 26 in FIG. 1.

It should be understood that the input and output devices shown areexamples and in other embodiments other types of input and outputdevices may be used. Such input and output devices commonly receiveinformation which is usable to identify the customer and/or theiraccounts. Such devices are also operative to provide information to auser and to receive instructions from a user concerning transactionswhich are to be carried out through use of the machine. Various forms ofuser interfaces and input and output devices may be used in connectionwith various embodiments.

In the described example embodiment ATM 10 includes a cash dispensingmechanism which is alternatively referred to herein as a cash dispenser.The cash dispensing mechanism is selectively operated to enable thedispensing of cash to authorized users of the machine. Cash is providedto the users through a cash outlet indicated 28. A further feature ofthe example embodiment of the invention is the ability to acceptdeposits through the ATM. The machine includes a deposit acceptingopening 30. In the example embodiment the ATM is enabled to acceptdeposits in the form of sheets, envelopes and other items as laterdiscussed. In some embodiments the ATM may have structural componentslike those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,065 the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the computer architecture associatedwith ATM 10 and a first example system in which it is used. The ATMincludes one or more computers therein which computer or computers arealternatively referred to herein as a controller, processor orprocessors. The one or more computers in the example embodiment areschematically represented by a terminal processor 32. The terminalprocessor is in operative connection with one or more data storesschematically represented 34. The terminal processor may comprise one ormore computers that operate to control transaction function devices 36which are included in the ATM. These transaction function devicesinclude devices which operate in the ATM to carry out transactions.Transaction function devices may include, for example, currencydispensing mechanisms, currency presenters, currency acceptors, currencyvalidators, item dispensing devices, card readers, printers,depositories, other input and output devices and other devices.Transaction function devices may further include cameras, sensors, imagecapture devices and other items. Transaction function devices may alsoinclude one or more processors. The particular character of thetransaction function devices depends on the particular capabilities forcarrying out transactions to be provided by the ATM.

In the example embodiment ATM 10 exchanges messages through acommunication interface 38 with a communications network 40. Network 40may be one or more types of data communications networks, including aphone line, data line, lease line, frame relay, wireless network,telecommunications network, local area network, wide area network orother medium for communicating messages to and from the ATM 10. Thecommunications interface provided is suitable to work in connection withthe particular type of network(s) to which the machine is connected. Inthe example embodiment the ATM may be connected to a network whichcommunicates with a plurality of ATMs such as Cirrus® or Plus®, or otherdebit card network. Of course in other embodiments other suitablenetworks for processing credit, debit or other types of onlinetransactions may be used including the Internet.

As schematically represented in FIG. 2, network 40 is in operativeconnection with one or more host computers 42, also referred to hereinas host banking. Host computers 42 in the example embodiment areoperative to authorize transaction requests which are made by users atthe ATM 10. The ATM is operative to deliver to the host computer dataidentifying the user and/or their account and the particulartransactions that they wish to conduct. The request is routed throughthe network to a host computer that can evaluate and/or authorize therequest. The appropriate host computer receives and analyzes this dataand returns to the ATM a message which indicates whether the transactionrequested is authorized to be conducted at the machine. The messagereturned may also include one or more instructions that cause the ATM tocarry out one or more transaction functions. In response to receiving amessage indicating that the transaction should proceed, the processor inthe ATM operates the transaction function devices to carry out therequested transaction. If the transaction is not authorized, the user isso informed through the display or other output device and thetransaction is prevented. The ATM is also operative in the exampleembodiment to send to the host computer authorizing the transaction, acompletion message which includes data indicative of whether thetransaction was able to be carried out successfully. Upon receiving theinformation that the transaction was carried out, the host computer isoperative to take appropriate action such as to credit or debit a user'saccount. It should be understood that this system shown in FIG. 2 is anexample and in other embodiments other approaches to operating automatedbanking machines and authorizing transactions may be used.

In the described example embodiment the transaction function devicesinclude a deposit accepting apparatus. The example deposit acceptingapparatus is capable of accepting deposited items such as envelopes aswell as sheets and documents such as checks. This deposit acceptingapparatus in alternative embodiments may be capable of accepting andanalyzing other items such as papers, instruments, billing statements,invoices, vouchers, wagering slips, receipts, scrip, payment documents,driver's licenses, cards and items which may be moved in the depositaccepting apparatus. Alternative embodiments of a deposit acceptingapparatus may accept only selected ones of deposit items. The exampledeposit accepting apparatus may alternatively be referred to herein asan “intelligent depository module,” “depository module” or “IDM.” Anexample embodiment of the IDM 44 is shown in FIG. 3 and examplemechanical components thereof are shown in FIGS. 4-6. It should beunderstood that for purposes of this application, a deposit acceptingapparatus or device encompasses any mechanism that accepts an item intoan ATM.

As shown in FIG. 4 IDM 44 includes a transport section 46. Transportsection 46 extends in generally a straight path from an inlet 48 to anoutlet 50. Inlet 48 is positioned adjacent to a deposit acceptingopening 30 through the body of the ATM 10. Access to the transportsection 46 from the outside of the ATM may be controlled by a gate 52 orother suitable blocking mechanism which operates under the control ofthe terminal processor 32. The terminal processor operates to open thegate only when an authorized user of the ATM is to provide items to orto receive items from the transport section of the IDM.

The transport section 46 of the IDM includes a plurality of belts orother moving members 54. Moving members 54 operate to engage itemsdeposited into the transport section and to move deposited items inengagement therewith. The moving members are moved in response to one ormore drives schematically indicated 56. In this example embodiment aninlet transport section 58 moves deposited items between upper and lowerbelt flights (see FIG. 5). Similarly, deposited items are also movedthrough an outlet transport section 60 in sandwiched relation betweenupper and lower belt flights. Between the inlet and outlet transportsections deposited items are moved past an analysis module 62. In thisexample embodiment deposited items are moved adjacent to the analysismodule in engagement with moving members that act on the lower side ofthe deposited item. In this way the deposited item moves in closeproximity to the analysis module and in sandwiched relation between alower face 64 of the analysis module and the upper face of the movingmembers. Of course it should be understood that this configuration is anexample. In other embodiments additional analysis modules may beprovided so that both sides of an item are analyzed. Analysis modules ordiscrete devices for activating indicia to facilitate sensing, as wellas for sensing indicia on items, may be provided as necessary to readindicia from items handled by the banking machine.

The example embodiment further includes a deposit holding moduleschematically indicated 90 (see FIGS. 4 and 6). In the exampleembodiment the deposit holding module includes a plurality ofcompartments which are moved relative to the outlet 50 of the transportsection to enable items to be passed from the transport section into aselected compartment. The deposit holding module includes a drive 92which is part of a translation mechanism 94 of the screw type. Thetranslation mechanism operates to move the compartments in a generallyvertical direction relative to the outlet 50 in the transport section.The deposit holding module further includes a tamping member 96 which ismovable in the compartment and operates to tamp sheets held in a sheetholding compartment so as to reduce the volume of sheets held thereinuntil the items may be removed.

The operation of the deposit holding module 90 in connection with theexample embodiment is represented in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6 sheetholding compartment 98 in the deposit accepting module 90 is adapted forholding sheets 100 of one type such as cancelled checks or other itemsaccepted in the machine. The sheet holding compartment 98 includes anopening 102 in an upper area thereof generally indicated 103. Opening102 may be selectively moved responsive to signals from the terminalprocessor and operation of a drive, to be in communication with outlet50. The tamping member 96 may also be selectively moved upward such thata sheet leaving the transport section through the outlet such as asheet, may be passed into the sheet holding compartment 98.

When deposit envelopes are to be accepted, the controller responsive toat least one input through the user interface indicating an envelopedeposit, may operate a drive to move the position of the compartmentswithin the deposit holding module so that an envelope holdingcompartment 106 is placed in communication with the outlet 50 of thetransport section. This is accomplished as represented in FIG. 6 bybringing an opening 108 to compartment 106 into alignment with theoutlet 50. This enables an envelope deposit such as an envelopeschematically represented 110 in FIG. 6 to be moved into the envelopeholding compartment 106.

It should be noted that the movement of the compartments relative to theoutlet enable selectively aligning the openings to the variouscompartments with the outlet from the transport. This minimizes theamount of handling and manipulation of the deposits that is necessary tomove them through the deposit accepting mechanism. This increasesreliability and speed of the example embodiment. Further in the exampleembodiment the controller is enabled to selectively move the position ofthe tamping member 96 relative to the sheets in the sheet holdingcompartment 98. The tamping member is enabled to move about a non-fixedpivot 112 between positions such as those shown in FIG. 6. The abilityto downward dispose the tamping member relative to the sheet stackenables compressing the stack of sheets 100 that may be present in thesheet holding compartment so as to reduce their volume. This enablesaccepting sheets more reliably and holding more sheets in the sheetholding compartment before the accumulated sheets need to be removed. Itshould be noted that the movement of the tamping member 96 is achievedthrough an operative interconnection with the translation mechanismwhich moves the compartments as shown in FIG. 4. Further the tampingmember is connected to the body of the deposit holding device throughthe nonfixed pivot connection so that the action of the tamping memberis enabled to accommodate various sized stacks of sheets within thesheet holding compartment.

In alternative embodiments provisions may be made for permanentlydefacing and/or destroying accepted items such as cancelled checks. Thismay be appropriate, for example, in situations where an electronic imageof the check has been captured and the electronic image serves as animage replacement document for the paper check. In such embodiments,after the check has been imaged either immediately or after a determinedholding period, the cancelled check may be suitably destroyed. Variousmethods for destruction may include, for example, shredding, chemicaltreatment, incineration or other approaches. Of course combinations ofsuch approaches may also be used. Further in some example embodimentsprovision may be made to transfer the remnants of destroyed checks outof the housing of the banking machine and into a suitable wastereceptacle. Such a waste receptacle may be provided, for example, at therear of the machine or other location that can be connected to anopening from the machine. Thus for example in one example embodimentchecks that have been imaged and cancelled may be treated with asuitable ink or other material to obliterate information on the check,and the check shredded by a suitable paper shredding mechanism.Thereafter the remnants of the check may be transported by rollers,belts, air pressure or other suitable means out through an opening ofthe machine into a waste receptacle. This example approach enables themachine to run for an extended period of time without having to removecancelled checks from the interior of the housing. Of course it shouldbe understood that this approach is merely an example and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

Referring again to FIG. 4 the example embodiment of the IDM 44 includesa printing mechanism 114. The printing mechanism is operative to enableprinting indicia on deposited items responsive to control of theterminal processor. Such printing may be used in the example embodimentsto print identifying indicia on deposited envelopes or documents.Alternatively such printing may be used to indicate the cancellation oracceptance of items placed into the machine by a user and which arestored in the machine or returned to the user from the machine. Itshould be understood that although in the example embodiment the printeris shown on a first side of the transport path, in other embodiments theprinter may be positioned on an opposed side of the transport path.Alternatively printing devices of similar or different types may bepositioned on both sides of the transport path in some embodiments. Itshould further be understood that the particular configuration of theprinting mechanism is an example and in other embodiments of theinvention, other types of printing mechanisms may be used.

In the example embodiment the analysis module 62 includes opticalscanning sensors schematically indicated 132 in FIG. 5. The analysismodule may serve as a check imaging device. Scanning sensors 132 areoperative to generate an image of documents that move adjacent to theanalysis module. In the example embodiment the scanning sensors scangenerally the entire transverse path through which documents may travelin the transport section. The scanner in the described embodimentgenerates radiation in the visible range and resolves images atapproximately 240 dots per lineal inch. The scanning sensor is alsooperative to have a focal length which corresponds to the distance thatthe scanned documents are disposed from the surface of the sensor asthey pass the analysis module. In the example embodiment the scanningsensor 132 has a focal length of about 4 millimeters. Of course in otherembodiments other types of scanning sensors may be used. Such othertypes of sensors may include emitters and sensors for sensing radiationat discrete frequencies in the visible or non-visible range. In additionmultiple sensor types may be used on one or both sides of documents.Various types of sensors may be used. The imaging device of the exampleembodiment is operative responsive to an associated processor to produceimage data, which comprises electronic data which corresponds to a fullor partial visual image corresponding to the visual appearance of thescanned check or other item.

The example analysis module further includes a magnetic sensor includingsensing elements 134. The magnetic sensing elements 134 are operative tosense the magnetic properties of documents which pass adjacent to theanalysis module. In the example embodiment the magnetic sensing elements134 include a plurality of discrete transversely spaced magneticsensors. The magnetic sensors generally each cover a relatively smallportion of the overall transport width. The sensors are arranged insufficient proximity so that substantially the entire transverse widthof the document path is sensed. The analysis module further includes amagnet 136. Magnet 136 may comprise a unitary or a plurality ofpermanent or temporary magnets. In the example embodiment permanentmagnets are used. The permanent magnets operate to activate magneticproperties of magnetic inks on documents passing adjacent to theanalysis module. These magnetic properties may then be more readilysensed by the magnetic sensing elements 134.

It should be understood that the particular sensors and devices inanalysis module 62 are examples. Other embodiments may include only anoptical scanner or magnetic sensing elements, or different or additionaltypes of scanning and sensing elements. For example embodiments mayinclude scanners for reading bar code or other types of optical indicia.Other embodiments may include devices for reading magnetic fluxreversals that may be encoded in a magnetic media. Some embodiments mayinclude read heads for reading MICR characters or other magneticallysensible features. Other embodiments may include devices which areoperative to detect the presence of holograms or to read non-visibleradiation, fluorescent inks, or other types of coding. The particularactivating and sensing devices included in a particular analysis modulewill depend on the particular types of documents to be verified andanalyzed through operation of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows schematically the relationship of the IDM 44 with examplesoftware components which operate in the terminal processor 32. Theterminal processor 32 has operating therein an operating system layerschematically indicated 138. The operating system layer 138 may includeoperating systems such as OS/2® from IBM, Windows NT® or Windows XP®from Microsoft, Linux or other suitable operating system. The operatingsystem communicates with a terminal control software layer 140. Theterminal control layer in the example embodiment operates to controlnumerous aspects of the ATM functions including aspects of thetransaction function devices. As schematically represented in FIG. 3 theterminal control software sends messages to and receives messages fromdevices associated with the IDM 44. The messages are generally operativeto control mechanical components of the IDM as well as to receive inputsfrom sensors and other devices which operate in connection with thedeposit accepting function.

The example software architecture also includes a recognition subsystemsoftware layer 142. The recognition subsystem software layer 142 alsocommunicates with the operating system layer and the terminal controlsoftware layer to control and receive inputs from the IDM. Therecognition subsystem software layer 142 includes software whichfunctions to control, manipulate and analyze image data received fromthe IDM as schematically represented by image control component 144.Another software component of the example recognition subsystem softwarelayer 142 accomplishes character recognition. This character recognitioncomponent schematically represented 146 in the example embodiment isoperative to identify MICR coding and numerical characters. In theexample embodiment the character recognition software includes softwarethat is commercially available from Carreker Corp. Other providers ofcharacter recognition software include Parascript, Mitek and a2ia. Ofcourse other suitable recognition software may be used. The recognitionsubsystem software layer 142 of the example embodiment also includes amagnetic data control component schematically represented 145 that isoperative to analyze and to manipulate data received from the magneticsensing elements and to check for correlation between the magnetic datathat is sensed and the optical data which is obtained from the scanningactivity. Of course these software functions are examples and thesefunctions may be programmed differently and other or additional softwarecomponents may be included in other embodiments.

FIG. 7 shows the example schematic components of the software in greaterdetail. As can be appreciated the operating system 138 in the terminalprocessor is in operative connection with one or more data stores 34.The data store may include the data corresponding to informationconcerning programs, transactions, instructions and other data orprogram logic which are necessary to control the operation of the ATM.In addition the data store includes the data used in connection withanalyzing and verifying documents. As later discussed the data store mayalso include image data corresponding to the images of documents thathave been accepted by the system as well as transaction identifyingdata. The software in connection with the example terminal processoralso includes a communication subsystem layer 148. The communicationsubsystem layer enables communication between the various softwarecomponents of the system. The communication subsystem layer alsocommunicates with the various transaction function devices 36 throughappropriate interfaces or drivers. In addition communication layer 148in the example embodiment also enables communication through appropriateinterfaces 38 to one or more communications networks 40 and the hostcomputers 42 which are operatively connected thereto. Of course thissoftware architecture is merely an example and in other embodimentsother approaches may be used.

In the example embodiment the IDM 44 includes an onboard computerprocessor which resides on a scanner card 150. The scanner card 150further receives and operates upon data from the optical scanningsensors 132 on the analysis module 62. The scanner card further hasincluded thereon a driver schematically indicated 152. The driver isoperative to communicate through a scanner interface 154 with theoperating system 138 and the data store 34. The driver 152 is alsooperative to control the scanning activity which is carried out by thescanner card 150. In the example embodiment the driver is also operativeto control the allocation of memory for use in the scanner operation.This assures that adequate memory is available in RAM to carry out thecapture, storage and analysis of the scanning data as required toanalyze and authenticate documents which may be input in the machine.

As represented in FIG. 8 in the example embodiment, when a document isto be scanned the terminal control software 140 causes the particulardocument to be moved as desired in the IDM 44. This is done bycontrolling the various devices which sense and move documents in andthrough the module. The terminal control software 140 operates inconjunction with the recognition subsystem software layer 142 whichprovide instructions to the scanner card 150 to scan documents using theoptical scanning sensors 132 during the appropriate time periods. Thedata from the scanning process and magnetic sensing operations isreturned through the operating system to memory. The data is thenrecovered from memory and manipulated responsive to the image controland character recognition features of the recognition subsystem softwarelayer 142. The results of the manipulation and analysis of the scanneddata is then communicated through the terminal control layer to a remotehost 42. This is done in this example embodiment using transactionrequest and authorization messages of a type that can be handled withinthe framework of ATM transaction processing systems. However it shouldbe understood that in other embodiments of the invention otherapproaches to authenticating documents, verifying transactions andcommunicating with remote computers may be used.

The operation of the ATM 10 will now be described with reference to anexample transaction involving the deposit of a check or similarinstrument. In this transaction the logic flow described in connectionwith FIGS. 9 through 13 is carried out.

In a first step shown in FIG. 9 the ATM operates to receive identifyingdata from the user in the manner previously discussed. In a second stepthe user identifies the particular transaction type to be associatedwith the transaction. In this case the user may indicate that they aredepositing a check or alternatively that they are cashing a check orother document. Because both types of transactions are related, theywill be described in connection with the example logic flow as thoughthe user had selected the option of cashing a particular check. Itshould be understood however that generally a user will be electingeither to apply the amount of the deposited check to their account, orto cash the check.

At a third step in the transaction flow shown in FIG. 9 the userprovides inputs corresponding to the amount associated with thetransaction they wish to conduct. As optionally indicated in the fourthstep, the institution operating the ATM machine may charge a checkcashing fee or similar fee for the convenience of cashing the check. Ifthis is the case, an appropriate message will be output to the userthrough the display of the ATM. The user may be requested to provide aninput to indicate their acceptance of the transaction fee. If the userindicates that they do not wish to accept the fee or the user does notprovide an input within a predetermined time period, the terminalprocessor may operate to close the transaction and return the machine toa ready state to conduct a transaction for another user. For purposes ofthis example it will be presumed that the user has indicated that theywish to proceed with the transaction.

In response to these inputs the terminal processor operates inaccordance with its programming to open the gate 52 adjacent the openingto the transport section 46 of the IDM 44. The terminal processor alsooperates as indicated a sixth step to move the depository holding module90 to a position in which an appropriate check holding compartment is incommunication with the outlet 50 of the transport section.

The example embodiment includes at least one throat sensor adjacent tothe analysis module 62. The terminal processor is operative in a ninthstep to measure the document length. This is done for example based onthe transport speed and the time that the document takes to pass thethroat sensor. Because in the example embodiment it can be assumed thatgenerally no slippage of the document occurs after it has firmly engagedthe transport, the time that the document blocks the throat sensorgenerally provides a relatively accurate indication of document length.Of course in other embodiments equivalent mechanisms such as encoders ondriving members or other devices may be used. The document length iscalculated in the example embodiment by the terminal control software.It should be understood however that this technique is an example and inother embodiments of the invention other approaches may be used.

During the step of measuring the document, the document is moved pastthe analysis module 62 to a position intermediate of the analysis moduleand the deposit holding module. The document at this point is in a“ready to scan” position. The terminal processor next operates inaccordance with the eleventh step in FIG. 9 to move the document pastoptical and magnetic sensors in the analysis module 62. As the documentmoves past the analysis module, the terminal control software andrecognition subsystem software layer 142 gather the image and profiledata that is used to analyze and/or produce an electronic image of thedocument. As the check passes the magnet 136 the magnetic ink thereon ismagnetized. This magnetized ink is then sensed by the magnetic sensors134 which provide a profile of the area in which magnetic ink ispresent. For example in the example embodiment, the check includes aline of MICR coding. This line of MICR coding (alternatively referred toherein as the MICR line) causes signals to be produced by the magneticsensing elements 134 as the characters pass such sensors. The documentmay be skewed relative to the transport section through which it passes.However regardless of whether the document is straight or skewed it willproduce a magnetic profile.

A magnetic profile associated with the document may be indicative thatthe document is genuine. This is because photocopies or other simulatedchecks generally would not include magnetic coding. Thus the sensing ofany magnetic coding on the document by the analysis module suggests thatthe document that has been inserted is a genuine printed check. Howeveras later discussed alternative embodiments may include approaches forreducing the risk that the check is a forgery that has been producedusing magnetic inks.

Movement of the document past the optical scanning sensors 132 causesimage data to be produced which is indicative of the opticalcharacteristics of the document passing in the transport section. Thisimage data corresponds to an electronic image of the check that iscaptured through operation of the scanner card and included in the datastore associated with the ATM. The scanning process is continued as thecheck moves past the analysis module 62 as shown in FIG. 4.

As indicated by the twelfth step in the logic flow in FIG. 9 theterminal processor next operates to apply the rules which are associatedwith the programs stored in memory concerning the particular type ofdocument associated with the transaction. Generally at least one inputby the customer indicating that they are making a check deposit may becorrelated with certain stored data or rules which indicate theparticular characteristics of the document that is to be received. Insome cases the inputs may correspond to a particular sized document.Alternatively the rules may correspond to particular configurations orother characteristics. In this example the rules stored in memory arealso indicative of “windows” or particular zones or areas in thedocument landscape in which data which should be analyzed on thedocument may be found.

In accordance with the example embodiment which operates to analyzecheck, the terminal processor operates in accordance with the applicablerules recovered from memory as associated with a check deposit to deskewthe data corresponding to the image and place it in registration with animposed coordinate system. This is done in the example embodimentthrough use of a programmed series of steps which finds the boundariesof the image data. This is done by comparing the pixels which make upthe image and generating at least two of the lines which bound thedocument. By identifying these lines, one or more corners of thedocument may be identified. The terminal processor in the exampleembodiment then through a series of programming steps next operatesrotate and shift squared up image data to the reference point of acoordinate system. This shifting places the leading corner at the originof the imposed x and y coordinate system. The leading corner is placedalong the “y” axis while the trailing corner is placed along the x axis.It should be understood that all of the pixels which make up the imageare correspondingly adjusted.

As represented by the fourteenth step shown in FIG. 10 the terminalprocessor next operates in accordance with its programming to applytemplate logic to the shifted image. The computer operates to recoverfrom memory, data corresponding to at least one selected template. Inexample embodiments a plurality of templates may be stored in memory andthe selected one is recovered responsive to customer inputs to themachine, indicia read from the document or other data. In this step thecomputer operates to apply a template over the shifted image to identifyfor analysis “windows” within the image that contain data that is ofinterest. It should be understood that these windows are examples and inother embodiments other or additional windows may be included. Suchwindows may include, for example, a window for the so called legalamount which is the written or typed amount of the check. A window mayalso be provided for an “amount not to exceed” indicator, date, payeename, payor name or other information that appears on the check. Itshould further be understood that these processes for identifyingwindowed zones or areas within shifted data are carried out throughoperation of the at least one processor and the computer executableinstructions included in the recognition subsystem software layer 142,and that these example representations merely serve to explain thenature of an example form of the analysis that is carried out.

As represented in a fifteenth step shown in FIG. 10 the computeroperates to analyze the data in the window of the template whichcorresponds to the potential location of the MICR line. This isaccomplished by the image control component 144 of the softwareanalyzing data from the data store. It should be understood that thedata within the particular window may or may not correspond to the MICRline depending on the orientation of the document as well as whether thedocument itself is valid.

The computer then operates in accordance with a sixteenth steprepresented in FIG. 10 to pass the data extracted from the window. Thischaracter recognition software component is operative to apply the logicused for optically reading MICR symbols. In the example embodiment thisis a logic associated with reading e-13B type characters. The characterrecognition software component 146 is operative to analyze the data andmake evaluations in looking for known characters of the particular type.In the example embodiment the characters represented which are resolvedare processed to derive ASCII values corresponding to the characters.

In a next step as represented in FIG. 10, recognition subsystem softwarelayer 142 is operative to check the returned data for the presence ofparticular characters, in this case routing and transfer characters.Generally valid MICR line data will include such characters and thedetected presence thereof in the data analysis is an indicator that theMICR line data has been properly found and read.

At a nineteenth step shown in FIG. 10 the recognition subsystem softwarelayer 142 operates to determine if the degree of assurance or confidenceas indicated by the character recognition component for the valuesreturned, is above a threshold. The determination of the level ofassurance is based on one or more values delivered by the patternrecognition algorithms in the character recognition software componentused in the example embodiment. In the example embodiment the thresholdis generally set at about a 70 percent assurance level. As indicated inFIG. 10 the computer operates in response to its programming to proceedbased on whether the level of assurance is at or above, or below thethreshold. Of course this approach is an example and in otherembodiments other approaches may be used.

As indicated in FIG. 10 if the level of assurance in the determined MICRvalues is indicated as below the threshold and/or if routing andtransfer characters are not found, the recognition subsystem softwarelayer 142 through operation of the image control software component,operates to further manipulate the image. In the example transaction thecomputer operates to manipulate the data to essentially transpose andflip the image 180 degrees and to again read the data in the MICR linewindow. It should be understood that in other embodiments the datacorresponding to the image may be manipulated in other ways in order toattempt to translate the image so as to find appropriate data.

As indicated in the twenty-first step in FIG. 10 the translated imagedata now in the window is again read and passed to the characterrecognition software component 146. This again causes the output ofASCII values based on the characters in the window. As indicated in thetwenty-fourth step these values are then checked for the presence ofrouting and transfer values. As indicated in step twenty-five in FIG.10, if the MICR values read have an associated level of assurance at orabove the threshold and routing and transfer characters are present therecognition subsystem software layer 142 is operative to proceed withfurther analysis of the image. However if the level of assurance remainsbelow the threshold and/or there are no routing or transfer characters,this may be an indication that the document is not valid. In someembodiments the ATM may operate to further transpose the data andconduct additional analysis. This may be particularly appropriate insituations where both sides of the document are being scanned and thedocument may be in different orientations. In this case the terminalprocessor causes the ATM to operate to return the document to thecustomer and to close the transaction.

As represented in the logic flow which continues in FIG. 11, if thecharacters in the MICR window are read with a level of assurance that isat or above the threshold and the routing and transfer characters arepresent, the terminal processor next operates to cause the courtesyamount data in the window to be read. In the example embodiment therecognition subsystem software layer 142 operates in response tolandmark rules associated in memory with the document type to assist theanalysis in finding the courtesy amount within the window. Thesetechniques may include for example in the reading of a check, lookingfor the box or line on which the courtesy amount is written. In thiscase the value is a monetary amount. The amount may be printed orcursive characters. It may also look for known characters such as thedollar sign, the fraction sign, decimal point or star characters whichare commonly included in printed checks to indicate places before thedollar amount. Of course it should be understood that the particulartemplates and landmark rules used will depend on the programming of themachine and the type of document involved. The machine may have accessto stored data corresponding to a plurality of templates and/or rules,and may apply them to documents based on data derived from customerinputs, the document, memory data or combinations thereof.

As represented in a twenty-eighth step in FIG. 11 the terminal processorfurther operates responsive to the recognition subsystem software layer142 to binarize the data in the courtesy amount window which essentiallycan be thought of as reducing the sensed data to black and white. Thisfurther assists in identifying the characters. The character recognitioncomponent 146 then applies its logic in looking for U.S. dollar typenumerical characters within the data, and as represented in atwenty-ninth step in FIG. 11, the recognition subsystem software layer142 outputs an ASCII value indicative of the courtesy amount. In someembodiments the level of assurance associated with the courtesy amountis also analyzed to determine if it is above a threshold to verify thatthe amount has been accurately read. Alternatively, or in addition, thederived courtesy amount may be compared to the data input by thecustomer concerning the amount of the check. In alternative embodimentsthe character recognition subsystem software layer 142 may operate toread the characters in the legal amount field and compare the legalamount to the courtesy amount. Alternatively or in addition, in someembodiments the MICR line may include indicia representative of theamount of the check or an amount which the check is not permitted toexceed. In such cases the encoded MICR data or the values to which itcorresponds may be compared to the courtesy and/or legal amounts.Further in some embodiments the check may include a field that indicatesa value which a check is not to exceed. This value may be read andcompared through operation of one or more computers to the amount datafound in the courtesy amount, legal amount, or MICR line. Suchcomparisons may enable the machine to identify situations where theamount data is not consistent, which is indicative of an inability toproperly read that check, and/or an unauthorized modification of thecheck data. If there is a discrepancy and/or the level of assurance isbelow the threshold the check may be returned and the transactionclosed.

The example recognition subsystem software layer 142 further operates inaccordance with the thirtieth step represented in FIG. 11 to check forthe presence of magnetic ink on the document in the proper location.This is done in the example embodiments by component 145 determining thelength and configuration of the magnetic profile associated with thedocument. This length and orientation data may be normalized in themanner of the image data based on the imposed coordinate system, andcompared therewith to verify that the magnetic areas correspond to theoptical data corresponding characters in the MICR line. In additioncertain documents may also include magnetic characters in other areas ofthe document. These other characters which may not necessarily beincluded within the optically analyzed data, may be further checked toprovide an indication of the genuineness of the document. Of course inalternative embodiments as previously discussed, the mere presence ofmagnetic ink on the document may serve as a sufficient indication thatthe document is genuine.

In some alternative embodiments at least one computer in the automatedbanking machine may be operative to further verify the genuineness of acheck presented to the machine by looking for evidence of magneticindicia within the image data corresponding to the check in appropriateplaces or locations which suggest that the check may have been producedfraudulently. In such embodiments the computer may be operative to lookfor evidence of magnetic ink within preprinted fields of one or moretemplates which would normally not include magnetic indicia. Thepresence of magnetic indicia in one or more of these fields may beindicative that the check may have been printed by a forger with aprinter that prints in magnetic ink. This may be indicated, for example,by the data in a maker field, date field, maker signature line or otherareas being presented in magnetic ink when no magnetic ink wouldnormally be found in such areas. In some embodiments, for example, therecognition subsystem software layer 142 or other computer in connectionwith the machine may be operative to first locate the MICR line withinthe image data in the manner previously discussed. Thereafter, thesystem may operate to disregard the magnetic indicia in the MICR lineand analyze other magnetic indicia and/or its location relative to theimage data. Based on programmed parameters such as, for example, findingmagnetic indicia in other printing on the check may cause the machine toidentify the check as a potential forgery. In such circumstances thecheck will not be cashed by the machine. The check may be returned tothe user or alternatively retained in the machine as a precaution toprevent the check being passed in another location. Of course theseapproaches are example and in other embodiments other approaches may beused.

As indicated in the thirtieth step of the example embodiment representedin FIG. 11, if the magnetic data sensed does not properly correspond tothe document the terminal processor operates to identify the document assuspect. The example terminal processor then operates to return thedocument to the customer and to close the transaction. However, if thedocument has an appropriate magnetic profile the terminal processor nextmoves to a thirty-first step.

In the thirty-first step the terminal processor operates to configureand send an authorization message through the network to the host. Thisauthorization message will generally include the data appropriatelynecessary in an ATM transaction message for purposes of authorizing thetransaction. Such data may include customer identifying data such as auser's name and/or primary account number (“PAN”) and PIN related data,the transaction type and the amount input. In addition the transactiondata may include data derived from the document, such as datarepresentative of the data corresponding to the characters in the MICRline as well as the courtesy amount read from the check as determined bythe recognition subsystem software layer 142.

It should be appreciated that providing the data read from the check innumerical or other compatible format as part of an authorization messageis useful for facilitating processing of the data in some systemscompared to transmitting an entire image of a check to a host computerfor analysis and authorization. In example embodiments the check datamay be included in a field in a Diebold 91× type transaction message orin a selected field in an ISO 8583 message. A host computer may readilydetermine the data included in such messages and analyze it for purposesof deciding whether or not to authorize the transaction.

In this example transaction when the host receives the request messagefrom the ATM, it operates to determine if the customer data correspondsto an authorized user as well as whether the user is authorized toconduct the transaction requested. The operator of the host computer mayalso be enabled to apply certain rules, including preventing particularusers from cashing checks or limiting the amount of the deposited checkwhich can be cashed. Various types of rules may be selectively applieddepending on the particular user and the amount of the check. Inaddition the host computer may also analyze the account data on thecheck. This may include for example communicating with other systems ordata stores to determine if the account upon which the check is drawn isvalid and/or holds sufficient funds as represented by the courtesyamount on the check. The computer may also compare certain data such asthe courtesy amount read, to data input by the customer concerning thevalue of the check. The computer may also compare data corresponding tothe legal amount read from the check to the courtesy or amount or othermonetary amount data based on the MICR line or a maximum amount printedon the check. The computer may also analyze aspects of the data such asthe institution or the location thereof, upon which the check is drawnfor purposes of applying its programmed business rules and logic and indeciding whether to allow the user to deposit or cash the check. Ofcourse in some embodiments business rules may be applied by the one ormore computers operating in the ATM as well as through the operation ofone or more remote host computers.

In accordance with its rules and logic the host in the exampleembodiment returns a response message to the ATM. This is represented bya step 32. For purposes of this example it will be presumed that theuser is authorized to deposit or cash the check. Of course if the checkis not authorized to be deposited or cashed the response messageincludes data indicative thereof. The ATM will operate under control ofthe terminal processor in response to data indicative that thetransaction is not authorized to return the check to the user and toclose the transaction. Alternatively, if the check appears to befraudulent, the ATM may capture and store the check.

As indicated by the thirty-third step in the example embodiment the ATMoperates in accordance with its programming to display a graphic imageof the check deposited on its display 22. The terminal processor alsooperates in a thirty-fourth step in the sequence to store a copy of theimage file in a data store at the ATM. In some embodiments this imagefile may be later recovered for purposes of tracking and documentation.Such image files may be compressed for purposes of saving storage space.In one example embodiment the graphic image of the check is stored inmemory as a PCX file. Of course other file formats may be used. In otherembodiments the image file may also be accessed from or downloaded toremote computers connected to the system. As previously discussed, suchremote computers may be operative to process the check and to carry outsettlement related thereto, using the electronic image document as asubstitute for the paper check.

The computer next operates in accordance with a thirty-fifth step toprint a receipt for the customer. In the example embodiment because agraphic image of the check is available within the ATM, a graphicrepresentation of the check may be included on the receipt provided tothe customer. In addition the terminal may operate to print a similargraphic image on a journal printer or in other hard storage within themachine. Alternatively or in addition, in machines including a camera orother image capture device, an image of the user may be stored and/orprinted in correlated relation with the check data, including on thereceipt, on the check and/or on a journal.

After printing the receipt the ATM next operates under control of theterminal processor to cancel and store the check. The computer causesthe transport section to again move check towards the deposit holdingmodule. In addition the terminal processor operates to align theappropriate document compartment so that its opening is in communicationwith the outlet of the transport section.

As indicated in a thirty-seventh step the check is moved until it issensed adjacent to the printer mechanism 114. Upon sensing the checkadjacent to the printer the terminal processor operates to printcancellation data on the check. This cancellation data is printed on thecheck as it moves in the transport. This may include for exampleinformation about the user and/or the transaction, including images. Asindicated in a thirty-ninth step in the sequence, the transportcontinues to move the check until it is sensed as having passed into thestorage compartment. Such activity may be sensed through sensors similarto those previously discussed positioned adjacent to the outlet 50 ofthe transport.

After moving the check into the document storage compartment theterminal processor operates the translation mechanism 94 associated withthe deposit holding module to tamp the documents in storage. This isaccomplished as indicated by the fortieth step by moving the tampingmember 96 downward. This serves to assure that the documents in storageare compacted to the extent possible and assures that a larger number ofdocuments may be accepted before the need for removal of documents fromthe storage compartment.

In some embodiments, the terminal may operate in accordance with itsprogrammed instructions to provide the user with an output asking ifthey have further checks to deposit. The user may respond with at leastone input, and if so a portion of the transaction sequence can berepeated beginning with step 2 in the transaction sequence for example,to accept another check or other document. In such situations the valueof the further check or other document may be added to the value of theprior items. In some embodiments items which are deposited may havedifferent properties. For example, in some embodiments the machine mayaccept items that do not include magnetic coding. Such items may includeother features such as verification codes, symbols or characters thatare a function of other values or indicia on the items. Such items mayinclude for example vouchers issued by the machine for a differencebetween an amount the user was entitled to receive and the value of cashdispensed that could not be dispensed in prior transactions. The machinein such embodiments is operative responsive to its programming to adjustthe verification sequence to suit the particular document type beingreceived. The particular document type being received may be based onthe at least one input to the machine in the second step, indicia readfrom the document type, and/or other inputs or data.

In embodiments where a plurality of types of documents are accepted, themachine may operate in accordance with its programming to conduct ananalysis of the indicia on the document that is appropriate to verifythe particular document type. The document storage module may alsoinclude compartments for each type of item that is to be accepted. Inthis way different item types may be segregated to facilitate removaland sorting.

In some embodiments the receipt of successive documents from one usermay continue for a plurality of checks, vouchers or other type items. Ifthe items are verifiable as genuine by the machine and redeemable forcash or credit, the machine may operate to aggregate the value of allsuch items. The transaction sequence may continue to repeat based oninstructions and inputs to the machine in the transaction sequence. Itshould be understood that for purposes of the example transactionsequence there has been only one item deposited, and only one exampletype analysis of a document which is a check has been described.

As indicated in the forty-first step if the customer has requested adeposit only transaction during the transaction selection step, theterminal processor causes the machine to go to the forty-fifth step inthe transaction sequence. However if the customer has requested todispense cash based on the value of a cashed check, the logic moves tothe forty-second step. If the dispense transaction has been authorized,the terminal processor operates the cash dispenser to dispense an amountof cash. In some embodiments the amount of cash which may be dispensedmay correspond exactly to the amount of the check (less transaction feesin some cases) that has been presented by the customer. This may be donefor example in an ATM which includes a cash dispenser with coindispensing capability. However in many embodiments the ATM may becapable of dispensing only certain denominations of currency. This maypreclude the customer from receiving the exact amount of change to whichthey are entitled.

Alternatively the computer may operate to print and provide a check orother type negotiable instrument to the user. This negotiable instrumentmay be cashed like a check at the machine or at another location by theuser. Such an instrument may be input by the customer to the machine ina subsequent transaction. For example the machine may operate in thesubsequent transaction as previously discussed to accept several checksincluding the negotiable instrument previously dispensed. The user mayelect to cash the amount of these checks or have them credited to anaccount.

The machine may include among its transaction function devices check orvoucher printer devices. These printer devices may be supplied with astock of check media with magnetic coding that may be similar to othertypes of checks. The coding may correspond to the account of theoperator of the machine or other entity whose account is to be chargedfor the amount of change received by a machine user. In such embodimentsthe check is completed by a printing device with the amount of changefor which the check may be redeemed. The check may be printed by themachine with the user's name as payee based on the transaction datareceived, or alternatively made out to cash. Images of the user may beprinted on the check for authorization purposes as previously discussed.

The check once completed with the appropriate data and/or images may bedispensed from the machine to the user. The user may cash the check atthe machine on the current session or in a subsequent transactionsession, or at another location that accepts checks. In some embodimentsthe check stock provided in the machine may prominently display astatement of maximum value above which a check would not be valid. Thismay be for example, the smallest denomination currency bill dispensed bythe machine. For example if the lowest denomination bill that themachine dispenses is a one dollar bill, the value of change would alwaysbe generally less than one dollar, and the statement of maximum value ofone dollar which would conspicuously indicate to anyone redeeming thecheck that if it is above this amount it has been tampered with. Ofcourse the maximum amount may vary depending on the machine and itscapabilities. Also having such limited value checks in the machinereduces the risk to the machine operator in the event the machine isbroken into and the check stock is otherwise stolen. Alternatively themaximum value statement on the check may in some embodiments be printedby the machine itself.

Checks issued by the machine on check stock may include MICR coding.Such checks may be verified by the machine in the same manner as otherchecks. Alternatively the machine may include a transaction functiondevice which provides vouchers, scrip or coupon material that isredeemable for cash, credit, services and/or merchandise. In someembodiments such items, which will be referred to as a voucher forpurposes of brevity, may have unique indicia or characteristics that areindicative of authenticity. Such indicia or characteristics may includeindicia readable by the machine. Such indicia may include a uniquemagnetic or visual characters and/or profile which is indicative thatthe voucher is genuine. Of course, such vouchers may in otherembodiments include visible or non-visible indicia including images ofthe user, which are capable of being read and used to verify theauthenticity of the voucher. As previously discussed, when such an itemis presented to the machine to be redeemed, the machine adjusts theverification steps in accordance with its programming as appropriate forthe particular type of document. This may be based on user inputs,information read from the document, or other data.

As indicated at the forty-fourth step in the sequence the terminalprocessor operates to cause a receipt to be printed for the userindicating the amount of the cash dispensed. This receipt may alsoinclude other information including the amount of change that the userreceived and an indication of how the value associated with this changewas either applied or provided to the user. Of course as previouslydiscussed, in this printing step the terminal processor may also operateto print vouchers, coupons, negotiable instruments or other items thatthe user has requested to receive.

As indicated at the forty-fifth step the terminal processor nextoperates in accordance with its programming to prompt the user onwhether they wish to conduct another transaction. For purposes of thisexample it will be assumed that the user declines another transaction.The terminal processor next operates the machine to close thetransaction. This may include for example returning the card to thecustomer, outputting “thank you” messages or other appropriate stepsassociated with completing the transaction and/or readying the machinefor a next customer.

In the forty-seventh step the terminal processor operates to send acompletion message to the host. As previously discussed the completionmessage generally includes data indicative of whether the transactionwas successfully carried out. In addition in some embodiments, thecompletion message may also include data representative of any changethat was due to customer and how the customer chose to apply or receivethe amount of change. The confirmation data included in the returnmessage may also include data representative of the issuance of an itemand/or the identity of the merchant or other entity to whom a credit isrequired to be issued in consideration of vouchers or coupons that weredispensed to the customer. The completion data may also include atransaction number or data that can be used to identify or authenticatea check or voucher issued to a user. Likewise the message may includedata representative of loans, accounts or charities to whom the customermay have elected to apply their change balance. Other appropriate dataindicative of the completion of the transaction may be included. Thehost computer operates in response to this message to appropriatelyclose the transaction and to apply the funds accordingly and to storedata in one or more data stores in operative connection with the host.

As can be appreciated from the foregoing description, the example formof the deposit accepting apparatus and system and its methods ofoperation, may provide substantial advantages over prior art systems andmethods. The example system reduces the need to manipulate documents.This results in increased reliability by reducing the risk of documentjams or other malfunctions. The example embodiment further reduces theneed to achieve alignment of the document for purposes of reading oranalyzing the data thereon. Generally as long as the particular documentis presented in an appropriate transport direction the data may beanalyzed and manipulated so as to achieve authorization of the document.It should be understood that while the example embodiment shown analyzesindicia on only one side of a document, other embodiments may analyzeindicia on both sides of documents. This may be accomplished for exampleby having analysis modules on both sides of the document path. Sucharrangements in some embodiments may enable documents to be reliablyread and analyzed regardless of orientation.

It should be understood that while the example embodiment has beendescribed as reading checks and vouchers, other embodiments may be usedfor reading other document types. Such other document types may includefor example statements of charges such as deposit slips, utility bills,credit card bills and other statements of charges. Embodiments mayfurther be adapted to read other or additional types of coding such asone or two-dimensional bar codes, other character sets, alphabets ofvarious languages or other characters. Embodiments of the invention mayaccept only one type of item, or a plurality of types of items. Further,while the example embodiment accepts envelopes, other embodiments maynot accept such items, or may accept other types of items.

It should be understood that the architecture of the computers andsoftware described is example. Other embodiments may use differentcomputer and/or software architectures to accomplish the functions andmethods described. Further the one or more computers operating in anautomated banking machine may be programmed by reading through operationof one or more appropriate reading devices, machine readable articleswhich comprise media with computer executable instructions that areoperative to cause the one or more computers (alternatively referred toherein as processors or controllers) in the machine to carry out one ormore of the functions and method steps described. Such machine readablemedia may include for example one or more CDs, DVDs, magnetic discs,tapes, hard disk drives, PROMS, memory cards or other suitable types ofmedia.

Some example embodiments further facilitate transaction processing bybeing able to verify and analyze document images within the ATM. Thismay avoid the need to transmit entire document images to a remotelocation for purposes of analysis. Further an example embodiment enablesthe application of processing rules which facilitates analyzing requireddata and moving forward with transactions only when such data is readwith a sufficient level of assurance that the data has been readaccurately.

A further advantage of the described example embodiment is the abilityof a single mechanism to reliably handle both sheet type materials andenvelopes. This avoids the need to include multiple depositories withina machine. In addition the embodiment also produces data representativeof graphic images of items that have been placed into the depository.Images may be analyzed at the machine or forwarded to another device forverification purposes. Embodiments may be used to conduct payor and/orpayee signature analysis including analysis for the presence ofsignatures and/or for the genuineness of cursive signatures.

Another advantage of the example embodiment is that items placed in thedeposit accepting apparatus may be read through imaging or other methodsand then returned to the customer. These may include items such asdrivers' licenses, identification cards, passports or other articlesthat generally will not be retained within the machine. The exampledeposit accepting apparatus also has the capability of receivingdocuments, reading and/or capturing images and printing on them forpurposes of authentication or cancellation and then returning them tothe customer. This may prove advantageous for example in the case ofcustomer bills or payments where the customer is provided with a markingon the particular bill to indicate that payment has been made. Inaddition the example embodiment may handle numerous different types ofitems and documents in this manner. For example embodiments may be usedin applications such as issuing items such as drivers' licenses, licenseplate stickers, gaming materials, and other items. Embodiments may beused for redeeming items and issuing new or replacement items. Furtheradvantages will be apparent, and those having skill in the relevant artmay apply the principles of the claimed invention to numerousembodiments.

FIG. 13 shows an alternative example embodiment of a system generallyindicated 200, in which check cashing is provided through automatedbanking machines. The system includes automated banking machines 202which may be automated teller machines of the type previously discussed.ATMs 202 are connected through a network 204, to a host computer whichis alternatively referred to as a transaction server generally indicated206. Network 204 may comprise any of a number of public or privatenetworks suitable for communicating between host computer 206 and theATMs. As schematically represented in FIG. 13, host computer 206 is inoperative connection with at least one data store 208 which includesvarious types of instructions and stored data. Host 206 is also inoperative connection with a host interface terminal 210. As can beappreciated, data stores are also referred to herein as computermemories.

In the example embodiment system 200 includes at least one administratorstation 212. Administrator station 212 in the example embodiment is acomputer or server in operative connection with the network 204.Administrator station 212 is used by the operator of the ATMs 202 forpurposes of configuring the system and monitoring transactions whichoccur at the ATMs 202.

Example system 200 further includes a check image server 214. As shownschematically, the check image server 214 is in operative connectionwith a data store 216. Check image server 214 is connected to ATMs 202through a network 218. Network 218 may be the same or different networkthan network 204. Other servers 220 and 222 are connected to the network218. In the example embodiment check image server 214 is operative toreceive data corresponding to electronic images of checks that arereceived at the ATMs 202. The check image server 214 may be used toarchive data corresponding to such images and to accomplish settlementamong the various entities which hold accounts which must be creditedand debited in the conduct of a check cashing transaction.

In the example embodiment of system 200, ATMs 202 are specificallyoperated for purposes of providing check cashing services. Such checkcashing services may be provided for persons holding accounts with theoperator of the system such as a financial institution. Alternatively insome embodiments ATMs 202 may be specifically operated to provide checkcashing services for persons who do not hold accounts with the operatorof the system but who have a need to cash checks drawn by makers whohave accounts or other relationships with the operator of the system.This may be, for example, a situation where a particular entity hascontracted with the operator of the system to honor checks for which theentity is a maker and which are deposited in a machine. Alternatively,other embodiments may be operative to cash checks for which theparticular maker of the check has an account relationship with theoperator of the system. As later discussed, in some example embodimentschecks may be cashed at the ATMs 202 by users who are associated withthe makers of checks and who are correlated with data corresponding tosuch makers in one or more data stores operatively connected to thesystem. Of course these approaches are example and in other embodimentsother approaches may be used.

In addition, in example embodiments the ATMs 202 may be operative toimage checks or other documents and to store data representative thereofand/or to provide the image data at a point proximate in time or at alater time to a remote computer such as check image server 214 shown inFIG. 13. In addition, the ATM may be operative to conduct printing onthe check or to otherwise cancel and/or store the check.

An alternative embodiment of a system for cashing checks through ATMsand delivering images of such checks for further processing isrepresented by a system generally indicated 350 in FIG. 14. System 350includes a plurality of ATMs 352 which communicate through one or morenetworks 354 with one or more remote computers represented as an ATMhost 356. ATM host 356 communicates with the ATMs to conducttransactions generally in the manner previously described. In theexample embodiment the ATM transaction host can communicate with theATMs 352 for purposes of carrying out a plurality of transactions. Thesemay include cash dispensing transactions that do not involve receipt ofa check, deposit accepting transactions which involve receipt of deposititems such as checks, balance inquiries, account transfers and/or otheror different transactions depending on the ATM type used and theprogramming by the operator of the system.

The example system 350 differs from the systems previously described inthat image data corresponding to electronic images of both the front andthe back of each check presented at the machine is delivered remotelyfrom the machine for purposes of further processing. Further processingis facilitated in the example embodiment by the ATM providing image datawith transaction identifying data which can be used to facilitate thefurther processing of the transaction. In the example embodiment thetransaction identifying data is provided by the ATM host in the messagethat the host sends to the ATM authorizing the acceptance of the check.This transaction identifying data may include the information that isneeded for further processing of a settlement of the check. In someembodiments this enables the image messages which are delivered by theATM, to be used to process the check electronically as a substitute forthe paper document. This may also avoid the need to recover someadditional transaction data from other sources or systems because suchdata has been associated by the ATM with the image as part of the imagemessage. Of course this approach is example and in other embodimentsother approaches may be used.

In the example embodiment a check cashing transaction or othertransaction including presentation of a check conducted at one of theATMs 352 proceeds in accordance with the logic schematically representedin FIG. 15. The transaction logic as represented begins at a step 358 inwhich a user inserts their card. This may include for example a debitcard of the user which includes the user's name, primary account numberor other identifying information. In addition it should be understoodthat although in the schematic representation the user is not indicatedas being required to input a PIN or other identifying data such as abiometric input, the input of such data may be required in someembodiments.

After the user has input identifying information to input devices of theuser interface of the ATM at which a transaction is being conducted, thelogic proceeds to a step 360 in which the user selects a checkacceptance transaction. This is generally done in response to outputsthrough one or more output devices of the ATM such as the displayscreen. In the example embodiment the option for having checks acceptedin the machine is one of several transaction options available to usersof the machine.

After the user has selected a check transaction in step 360 the logicflow proceeds to a step 362. In this step the example machine isoperative to prompt the user as to whether they wish to receive cash inexchange for the input check or whether they wish to have the value ofthe check credited to their account. From this step 362 if the userprovides one or more inputs to indicate that they wish to receive cashin exchange for the check, the machine executes a step represented in364 and the terminal processor operates to include in the message anindication that the user is not only seeking to deposit a check but alsoto make a withdrawal as part of the transaction. In step 364 theterminal processor of the example embodiment is also operative toarrange for the inclusion of appropriate data in messages that areeventually sent to the ATM host so as to indicate the customer'sselections.

Once the customer has indicated that they wish to receive cash inexchange for the check or a customer declines to receive such cash andindicates they wish to deposit the amount of the check in their account,the logic next proceeds to a step 366. In step 366 the customer insertsthe check into the machine and the check is processed by the IDM in theexample embodiment. The check is also imaged by the check imaging deviceincluded in the IDM so as to generate image data corresponding to thevisual appearance of the check.

In the example embodiment electronic images representing both the frontand the rear of the check are produced. In addition in the exampleembodiment in step 366 the terminal processor is operative to analyzethe image data by reading the indicia on the check. This includesanalyzing the indicia which corresponds to the MICR line and producingthe data which corresponds thereto which can be included in an ATMtransaction request message. Further in the example embodiment in step366 the terminal processor is operative to determine an amountassociated with the check which can be done in the manner previouslydiscussed such as by using character recognition software to determinethe amount of the check based on the courtesy amount, the legal amountor other amounts on the check. Embodiments may also analyze image datafor other information to evaluate whether the check is a valid check.This may include checking for a payee name, a payor endorsement, a payeeendorsement, a bank name or other data. In some embodiments the qualityof the image data may be analyzed for features such as contrast, lineboundaries, overlap of indicia or other features which indicate that theimage data will not produce a suitable legible image. Of course theseapproaches are example and in other embodiments other approaches may beused.

In the example embodiment after the check has been inserted in step 366the terminal processor is operative to prompt the user to input theamount of the check in a step 368. This may serve to assure that thecharacter recognition software has analyzed the amount of the checkcorrectly. As previously discussed, in some embodiments an image of theface of the check may be displayed to the user through an output deviceon the ATM at the time the request is input so that the user can reviewthe amount as they are providing the input rather than having toremember the exact amount of the check. Of course various approaches maybe used.

The transaction logic next proceeds to a step 370 in which a transactionrequest message is sent to the ATM host 356. This may be done in themanner previously discussed by sending one or more messages to the ATMhost. Generally such messages will include an indication of the identityof the customer and/or their account, encrypted verification data suchas a PIN number or biometric identifier, an indication of the nature ofthe transaction that the customer wishes to conduct and the amountinvolved. Further in the example embodiment the message sent to the ATMhost includes data corresponding to at least a portion of the charactersincluded in the MICR line, the amount of the check and the terminalidentifier associated with the ATM at which the customer is conductingthe transaction. Of course in alternative embodiments additionalinformation may also be included in the one or more messages.

In response to receiving the one or more messages in step 370 the ATMhost 356 is operative to determine whether the transaction should bepermitted and to generate a response message. The response message inthe example embodiment generally includes instruction data which isoperative to cause devices in the ATM to operate appropriately asdetermined by the ATM transaction host. This may include for example inthe case of a check cashing transaction, accepting the check into astorage area in the machine and if appropriate dispensing cash from themachine to the user. Alternatively the instruction data may includeinformation indicating that the check will not be accepted, and theinstruction data may cause the machine to indicate to the customer thatthe transaction is denied and in appropriate cases the check may becaptured by the machine or returned to the customer. The receipt of theresponse message from the ATM host by the ATM is represented in a step372.

In the example embodiment the ATM host 356 is operative to include inthe responsive message sent to the ATM, transaction identifying data.The transaction identifying data includes data representative ofinformation that is useful by being correlated with an electronic imageof the check for purposes of further processing the check image. Thetransaction identifying data in the example embodiment includes a hostbusiness date. The host business date of the example embodiment includestime and date data at the location of the ATM host and reflects the timeat which the transaction request was received

It will be assumed for purposes of this example that in step 372 the ATMhost authorizes the transaction. In response thereto the ATM proceeds toa step 376. In step 376 the ATM terminal processor causes the ATM tooperate in accordance with the instruction data. This may include forexample cancelling the check and accepting it for storage in the ATM.Alternatively or in addition if the customer has requested to receivecash in exchange for the check the processor in the ATM causes ATMoperation in accordance with the instructions included in the messagereceived from the host, to cause the cash dispenser in the ATM tooperate to dispense to the user an appropriate amount of cash.

Although it is not shown in the example logic flow, in the exampleembodiment part of the activities conducted as part of step 376 tocomplete the transaction is for the ATM to indicate back to the ATM hostthrough one or more messages whether the transaction was able to becompleted successfully. In the example embodiment the ATM sends one ormore messages to the ATM host indicating whether the ATM was able tocarry out the transaction successfully responsive to the instructiondata. In situations where the ATM is not able to carry out thetransaction, appropriate measures are taken by the ATM host and/or theATM depending on the nature of the failure. This may include for examplenot crediting the user's account in cases where the check is returned tothe user, or crediting a user's account for the check in a case wherecash is not dispensed. Of course this is example of many steps that maybe taken in response to a malfunction.

In the example embodiment once the ATM has received the transactionidentifying data, the ATM is operative to send data corresponding to anelectronic image of the front and back of the check as well as thetransaction identifying data to a remote computer. The ATM taking thisaction is represented in a step 378. In the example embodiment the ATMis operative to send an image message including the electronic image(s)and transaction identifying data to an image and transaction serverrepresented 380 in FIG. 14. In the example embodiment the image andtransaction server 380 is a different computer than the ATM host. Alsoin some alternative embodiments the ATM may operate to modify the imagedata before it is sent to the image and transaction server. This mayinclude for example, modifying such as by changing or supplementing datacorresponding to the MICR line. Alternatively indicia such astransaction data in human or machine readable form may be included inthe image data. Of course in other embodiments other approaches may beused.

In carrying out step 378 the ATM is operative to send to the server 380an image message including data. In the example embodiment the imagemessage sent by the ATM to server 380 includes data corresponding toeach of the items of transaction identifying data received by the ATM instep 372. Although in the example embodiment all of the transactionidentifying data is part of the image message, in other embodiments onlythe portions of the data may be included or additional or other forms ofdata may be included. Further in alternative embodiments the data may bedelivered in multiple messages.

In the example image message there is also included data correspondingto the indicia in the MICR line of the check. This may include analphanumeric or other character representation as determined by thecharacter recognition software operating in the ATM, of the indiciaincluded in the MICR line portion of the image on the check. Alsoincluded in the image message is data representative of the length ofthe images of the front and back of the check. In addition the exampleimage message includes the image data for the front and the back of thecheck. In the example embodiment the image data is provided in themessage in a bitmap format, and in some embodiments may be provided as aTIFF file. Of course as previously discussed other or additionalinformation may be included in the image message. Further although inthe example embodiment the image message is sent as a single message, inother embodiments the necessary data may be provided as multiplemessages. Further in the example embodiment while it is shown that theimage message is dispatched to a single image server, in alternativeembodiments messages may be dispatched to multiple servers or differentmessages may be sent to different remote servers depending on the natureof the processing to be done with regard to the check.

In the example embodiment the ATM is operative to contact the imageserver which operates to listen for a socket connection from the ATM.The image server operates in response to establishing a socketconnection with the ATM to spawn a new image socket thread to handle thecheck image message and for the transaction identifying data to bereceived. The example image socket thread operates to parse the imagemessage into its individual fields and to check the parsed fields forappropriate syntax and validity. The example socket thread furthercreates the directory structure for the transmitted check images andsaves the front and back electronic images as part of this process. Theimage server operates in accordance with this programming to change thefront and back images of the check from the bitmap format to a differentformat. In the example embodiment the image data is converted to a JPEGfile which compresses the image data and which may facilitate its useand transmission to other connected computers. Of course this approachis example and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

In addition the server is operative to create a new entry in thedatabase with the fields parsed from the check, which enables theproduction of tabularized data which can be accessed and utilized in amanner later discussed. The example image socket thread is furtheroperative to acknowledge receipt of the message to the ATM to close thesocket connection and to the image socket thread.

The activity by the image and transaction server 380 in processing thedata through the image socket thread is represented in a step 384 inFIG. 15. The activity executed by the software which produces the threadin sending an acknowledgment back to the ATM, is also represented inFIG. 15 by a step 386. Of course it should be understood that theseprocesses and steps are example and in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used.

In some embodiments the image and transaction server may includesoftware operating therein. The software may operate to cause the atleast one processor operating in the server, to modify the image datacorresponding to the check images stored in the data store. Suchmodification may include changing data corresponding to characters (oradding characters) in the MICR line. This may facilitate furtherprocessing of the electronic image as a substitute check. Alternativelyor in addition, data corresponding to the image may be changed to addadditional indicia corresponding to the transaction. Such indicia may beof a type that when provided through an output device is human readableand/or machine readable such as bar code. Alternatively or in addition,image data may be modified to eliminate, encrypt or obscure certain datain the check image for privacy or security reasons. Alternatively or inaddition the ATM and/or image server may apply and/or verifyauthenticity features such as digital watermarks, verification codes orother features in the image data to detect any unauthorized tamperingwith the image data. Of course these approaches are merely an example offeatures and functions that may be carried out through operation of oneor more servers.

The example image and transaction server is operative to store in itsconnected data store, data corresponding to transaction identifying dataand image data for each check cashing transaction carried out at an ATMto which the server is operatively connected. The example image andtransaction server also operates to selectively provide the image andtransaction data to other connected computers.

The image and transaction server 380 of the example embodiment operatesto provide authorized users with access to transaction data and imagesrelated to check cashing transactions that are conducted at ATMs. Thismay be done in a manner similar to that previously discussed inconnection with the cashing of checks that are drawn on particularaccounts. Specifically in some embodiments users that have contractedfor processing services are enabled to find information concerningtransactions that have been conducted, analyze transactions and conductother activities as may be appropriate for purposes of managing theirbusiness activities and/or the ATMs for which they may be responsible.As represented in FIG. 14 access to data which is resident on the imageand transaction server 380, may be authorized to remote computersoperated by authorized users represented 388, 390 and 392. Clientcomputers 388, 390 and 392 are enabled to communicate with imagingtransaction server 380 through a network 394. Network 394 may constitutea variety of different types of public or private networks. It shouldfurther be understood that in some cases, such as when a public networksuch as the Internet is used to access server 380, security measures inaddition to those specifically discussed herein may be appropriate toassure the privacy and integrity of the data.

In the example embodiment of the system 350 the ATM host and image andtransaction servers are operated by Diebold Transaction Services, Inc.(DTS), a wholly owned subsidiary of the assignee of the presentinvention. In the example embodiment the DTS services include operatinga service bureau environment for driving ATMs and processingtransactions for third parties. Authorized individuals at such thirdparties are enabled to access the data from the server 380. It should beunderstood that numerous types of data may be processed and presented,and that the nature of the data discussed herein is example thediscussion and is generally limited to transaction data associated withcheck processing transactions. It should be understood that additionaltypes of transactions may be conducted and that other or additionaltypes of data may be accessed and utilized by individuals who requiresuch services.

FIG. 16 depicts another example embodiment of an automated bankingmachine 1000 that includes a deposit accepting apparatus 1002 adapted toscan documents in colors. The deposit accepting apparatus 1002 mayinclude all or a portion of the features described previously forexample embodiments of deposit accepting apparatuses. Here the machine1000 may include at least one processor 1004, a card reader 1006, a cashdispenser 1008, a display device 1010, and one or more input devices1012. Such input devices may include for example, a keypad, keyboard,function keys, a touch screen integrated into the display device, or anyother type of input device. The at least one processor 1004 may includea computer that controls a plurality of devices in the automated bankingmachine. Also, or alternatively, the at least one processor may includethe individual processors and/or controllers in one or more of thedevices of the machine.

In this example embodiment, the at least one processor is operative tocause the at least one card reader to read data from at least one databearing record corresponding to a financial account of a user operatingthe machine. Such a data bearing records for example may be a card(e.g., bank card, debit card, credit card), or other data bearingarticle operative to store a data record corresponding to a financialaccount (e.g., checking account number, credit account number). Also,the at least one processor is operative to cause the cash dispenser todispense cash to an authorized user and to cause a financial account ofan authorized user to be assessed an amount corresponding to cashdispensed.

As discussed previously, the deposit accepting apparatus 1002 isoperative to receive at least one document from a user operating themachine. Examples of such documents may includes checks or any otheritem (e.g., an envelope, cash, voucher, lottery ticket, gaming ticket)with visual information recorded thereon. In this described exampleembodiment, the deposit accepting apparatus 1002 includes a scanner 1014which in general may be used to carry out features and functionsdescribed previously with respect to the optical scanning sensors 132discussed previously.

FIG. 19 shows an example of a scanner 1014. In this example embodimentthe scanner includes a contact image sensor 1018 having a plurality ofpixel scanning portions (sensors) S1-SN orientated in a row. The row ofsensors generally extends for a distance 1020 that spans the width of adocument 1024 moving in a direction 1022 relative the scanner by atransport of the deposit accepting apparatus.

The scanner also includes three differently colored light sources 1016in the form of light emitting diodes (LEDs) for emitting three differentcolors (e.g., primary colors of red, green, and blue). During a scanningoperation, only one of these LEDs is turned on at a time. Each of therespective sensors S1-SN generates pixel data while an LED is turned on,which pixel data corresponds to a numeric value representative ofintensity of light sensed by the respective sensor. The data from all ofthe sensors S1-SN produces a row of pixels data which is referred toherein as a scan line. As the document moves relative the sensors S1-SN,a plurality of parallel scan lines are captured at sequentiallydifferent parallel section or strips of the document along its length soas to scan the entire surface of the document. The resulting datacorresponds to electronic image data for the document which may bestored in a data store such as a memory device of the scanner, thedeposit accepting apparatus, the computer of the automated bankingmachine, and/or a remote server.

In an example embodiment, each sensor S1-SN generates an eight bit pixeldata value that is representative of the level of intensity of thereflected light (originating from one of the LEDs) on the surface of thedocument adjacent the respective sensors S1-SN. However, it is to beunderstood that in other embodiments the sensors S1-SN may be capable ofgenerating smaller or larger ranges of pixel values (e.g., 4 bit, 10bit, or other bit resolution pixel values).

In an example embodiment, the scanner 1114 may include a contact imagesensor with 850 pixels (sensors) in a row capable of generating 200 dotsper inch when moving at 500 mm/sec (relative the document), with thescan line speed of about 4 scan lines per millisecond. Of course inother embodiments other types, sizes and configurations of the imagesensors/scanner may be used.

In an example embodiment, each scan line is captured for a document bythe sensors S1-SN using reflected light from only one of the availablelight sources 1016 sources (which light sources output light indifferent colors). Each of the scan lines in a pair of adjacentscanlines is captured via the sensors S1-SN using a different one of theavailable light sources 1016 (e.g., for a different primary color). Inthe example embodiment, with a scanner that has three differentlycolored light sources 1016 (e.g., a red LED, a green LED and a blueLED), a sequence of three scan lines are captured via the sensors S1-SNin a repeating sequence of the different light sources.

FIG. 17 depicts a set of scan lines for a sequence of colors that may becaptured from a document 950 according to this described example. Here,a first one of the scan lines 952 may be captured using the red LED, fora first strip of the document. Then a second one of the scan lines 954adjacent to the first scan line may be captured using the green LED fora second strip of the document adjacent the first strip. Then a thirdone of the scan lines 956 adjacent to the second scan line may becaptured using the blue LED for a third strip of the document adjacentthe second strip. This pattern of capturing scan lines for a documentfor a sequence of different colors, continues (e.g., scan lines 958,960, 962, 964) for the length of the document.

At this point, a visual representation of an electronic image for thecaptured scan lines of pixels data outputted through a display devicemay have a striped or interlaced appearance with an alternating sequenceof colored stripes. In order to produce electronic image data operativeto display a more accurate depiction of the document in color, anexample embodiment may include at least one processor in the automatedbanking machine, the deposit accepting apparatus, and/or the remoteserver, that is operative to generating a reconstructed electronic imageby interpolating missing color data for the pixels in a particular scanline from the pixel data in adjacent and/or near scan lines which wereacquired using the light sources corresponding to the missing colors forthe particular scan line. In the example embodiment, by scanning everythird line in the same color, it assures that each line not scanned in aparticular color is beside another scan line that was scanned in thenon-scanned color and is two lines away from another line scanned in thesame non-scanned color. For example, scan line 958 was scanned in redand not green. However, scan line 960 is beside scan line 958 and scanline 960 was scanned in green. Additionally, scan line 954 is two scanlines away from scan line 958 and was scanned in green.

In this example embodiment, green color pixel data for the pixels inscan lines 960 and 954 may be used to interpolate green color data forthe pixel data in line 958. However, because scan line 960 is closer toscan line 958 than scan line 954 (and therefore may more closelyindicate the actual green optical properties of the section/strip of thedocument associated with scan line 958), the green color pixel data fromscan line 960 may be given a higher weight than the green color pixeldata in scan line 954 when calculating a green color data for the pixelsin scan line 958. For example, green color pixel data in scan line 960for a first pixel may be accorded a doubling weighting factor relativethe green color pixel data for a second pixel in scan line 954. Thus ifa green color pixel value in scan line 960 for the first pixel has anactual scanned intensity value of 100, and a green color pixel value inscan line 954 for the second pixel has an actual scanned intensity valueof 40, an interpolated green color pixel value to be included with thethird pixel data in scan line 958 (located between the first pixel dataand second pixel data) may be determined by at least one processor to bea value of 80=(100*2+40)/3. Also, in addition to interpolating themissing green color data for pixels in scan line 958, it is to beunderstood that the interpolation calculation may also includeinterpolating the missing blue color data for the pixel data in scanline 958. Such missing blue color data may be determined from scan lines956 and 962 for scan line 958 for example.

In these described examples, pixel data in a common column on oppositesides of a given pixel data (e.g in different rows) may be used tointerpolate missing color data for the given pixel data. However, it isto be understood that more complex interpolation calculations may beused. For example other interpolation calculations for missing colordata may use more than two other scan lines, such as scan lines furtheraway from a given scan line. Also, for example other interpolationcalculations for missing color data may use pixel data in differentcolumns and different rows from a given pixel data (e.g., such as pixeldata in columns and rows that are generally diagonally offset from agiven pixel data). Also, in example embodiments, interpolation may notbe performed for the first two or last two scan lines for a document

An alternative example embodiment of the scanner may be operative toacquire each scan line using two of the three colored light sources(rather than one colored light source as discussed previously). Thus foreach section/strip of the document being scanned, two of the threecolored light sources may be sequently illuminated. For each scan line,pixel data from the sensors S1-SN may then be acquired for the differenttimes the two colored light sources are illuminated.

FIG. 18 depicts a set of scan lines for a sequence of colors that may becaptured from a document 970 for this alternative example. Here, a firstone of the scan lines 972 may be captured using the red LED followed bythe green LED, for a first strip of the document. Then a second one ofthe scan lines 974 adjacent to the first scan line may be captured usingthe blue LED followed by the red LED for a second strip of the documentadjacent the first strip. Then a third one of the scan lines 976adjacent to the second scan line may be captured using the green LEDfollowed by the blue LED for a third strip of the document adjacent thesecond strip. This pattern of capturing scan lines for a document for asequence of different colors continues (e.g., scan lines 978, 980, 982,984) for the length of the document. As discussed previously, themissing pixel color data for a given scan line may be interpolated fromthe pixel color data from adjacent scan lines.

This embodiment may take twice as long to scan a document as does theprevious described embodiment in which the scan lines are initiallycaptured using only one of three colored light sources per scan line.However, this alternative embodiment may still be faster at scanning adocument in color than scanning each scan line using all three coloredlight sources.

In addition, it is to be understood that pixel data acquired for eachscan line using less than three light sources, may be stored in a memorywith locations reserved for the missing pixel color data. For example,each pixel data stored for each scan line in a memory, may include 8 bitvalues for each of three colors (e.g., a set of values ranging from0-255 for red, green, and blue colors such as 244, 166, 55). However,because only one (or two) light sources were used when acquiring pixeldata for a scan line, then each pixel data for the scan line may havethe non-scanned colors in the pixel data set to a value of 0 or othervalue indicative of no-color (e.g., a set of values for red, green, andblue colors such as 244, 0, 0—where only the Red LED was illuminated)for the scan line. Then, as discussed previously, the processor may setthe zero color values for each pixel data to different non-zero values(if applicable) via interpolation using pixel data from adjacent and/ornear scan lines.

Electronic image data that includes both originally scanned pixel colordata and the additional interpolated pixel color data is referred toherein as a reconstructed electronic image. Such a reconstructedelectric image may be used to evaluate/determine information on a checkas discussed previously. For example the color electronic image data maybe used by the machine to distinguish indicia printed or written on acheck that cannot be distinguished from a grayscale image of the check.

In addition the at least one processor in the machine may cause visualcolor images of the front and back of a document to be outputted througha display device responsive to the reconstructed electronic image. Theat least one computer may also be responsive to inputs (from a user)representative of an acceptance of the displayed images, to cause suchimages to be processed and accepted as valid images of the document. Forexample if the document corresponds to a check, once the user verifiesthat the displayed color images of the front and back of the check areacceptable (through an input to an input device of the machine), the atleast one computer in the machine may be operative to continueprocessing the check deposit transaction. However, if the use providesan input representative of the displayed images not being acceptable,the at least one computer may be operative to attempt to re-scan thedocument, perform further image processor, and/or return the document tothe user. Also in cases where the document is to be re-scanned and/orfurther processed, an alternative embodiment of the machine may promptthe user for additional information regarding why the displayed imagesare unacceptable (e.g., too dark, too light, too blurry, or/or otherimage defects). Responsive to such selections by the user throughoperation of an input device of the machine, the machine may attempt tore-scan and/or further processes the document in a manner which attemptsto compensate for the defects indicated by the user.

In addition as discussed previously, when a document is accepted, it maybe transported to an acceptance area within the machine. Also, when adocument is rejected it may be returned to the user or placed into arejected document area within the machine.

In further example embodiments, the at least one computer may beoperative to carry out post-processing image operations on thereconstructed image. For example, images submitted to a remote serverwith respect to deposited checks may require only black and white imagesof checks. Also character recognition may be carried out more accuratelyusing black and which image data. Thus the at least one computer may beoperative to convert the reconstructed color image of the check to ablack and white and/or grayscale image of the check.

Computer software instructions used in operating the automated bankingmachines and connected computers may be loaded from computer readablemedia or articles of various types into the respective computers. Suchcomputer software may be included on and loaded from one or morearticles such as diskettes, compact disks, CDs, DVDs, tapes, flashmemory device, hard drives and/or other internal or portable storagedevices placed in operative connection with the automated bankingmachine. Other articles which include data representative of theinstructions for operating computers in the manner described herein aresuitable for use in achieving operation of automated banking machinesand systems in accordance with example embodiments.

The example embodiments of the automated banking machines and systemsdescribed herein have been described with reference to particularsoftware components and features. Other embodiments of the invention mayinclude other or different software components which provide similarfunctionality.

In the foregoing description certain terms have been described asexample embodiments for purposes of brevity, clarity and understanding.However no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom becausesuch terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to bebroadly construed. Moreover the descriptions and illustrations hereinare by way of examples and the invention is not limited to the featuresshown or described.

Further, in the following claims any feature described as a means forperforming a function shall be construed as encompassing any means knownto those skilled in the art as being capable of carrying out the recitedfunction, and shall not be deemed limited to the particular means shownor described for performing the recited function in the foregoingdescription, or mere equivalents thereof.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of theinvention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated, any ofthe advantages and useful results attained; the new and usefulstructures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations,systems, equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships areset forth in the appended claims.

1. Apparatus comprising: an automated transaction machine, wherein themachine includes at least one reader operable to read machine user datausable to identify a financial account with which a transaction can becarried out through use of the machine, wherein the machine includes atleast one scanner, wherein the at least one scanner includes at leastthree light sources operable to emit light respectively in at leastthree different colors, wherein the at least one scanner includes aplurality of sensors arranged in a row, wherein each sensor is operableto acquire pixel data representative of light intensity, wherein the atleast one scanner is operable to acquire an electronic image of at leastone side of at least one check as the at least one check moves relativethe row of sensors, wherein the electronic image comprises a pluralityof respective parallel scan lines, each including a plurality of pixeldata representative of levels of intensity of light sensed by thesensors for at least one color of light reflected from a respectivedifferent section of the at least one side of the at least one check,wherein the at least one scanner when acquiring pixel data for eachrespective scan line for the electronic image, is operable to cause onlytwo of the light sources to sequently illuminate a respective section ofthe at least one side of the at least one check that is adjacent the rowof sensors, wherein at least one set of three sequentially adjacent scanlines of the electronic image includes:  a first scan line comprisingpixel data acquired during only illumination of a first one and a secondone of the light sources;  a second scan line comprising pixel dataacquired during only illumination of a second one and a third one of thelight sources; and  a third scan line comprising pixel data acquiredduring only illumination of the first one and the third one of the lightsources.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the machinecomprises an automated banking machine which includes a check acceptoroperable to receive checks from machine users, wherein the at least onescanner is operable to acquire an electronic image of at least one sideof a document that comprises a check.
 3. The apparatus according toclaim 2 wherein the machine is part of a banking system, wherein themachine includes a cash dispenser, wherein the at least one readerincludes both a card reader, and a biometric reader, wherein the machineis associated with at least one computer, wherein the at least onecomputer is operable during a user transaction session with the machineto cause card data to be read from a card through operation of the cardreader, and then cause the read card data to be compared with cardinformation stored in at least one information data store, and causebiometric data to be read through operation of the biometric reader, andthen cause the read biometric data to be compared with biometricinformation in the at least one information data store, wherein the atleast one computer is operable to authorize the user to receive cashfrom the cash dispenser in exchange for at least one check, responsiveat least in part to both computer-determined correspondence between theread card data and stored card information, and computer-determinedcorrespondence between the read biometric data and stored biometricinformation.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein theelectronic image allows for generation of a reconstructed electronicimage of the at least one side, wherein the reconstructed electronicimage includes additional pixel data with the pixel data for eachrespective scan line, wherein the additional pixel data isrepresentative of an intensity of light for the color associated withthe one light source that was not illuminated for the respective scanline but was illuminated for other scan lines.
 5. Apparatus comprising:an automated transaction machine, wherein the machine includes at leastone reader operable to read machine user data usable to identify afinancial account with which a transaction can be carried out throughuse of the machine, wherein the machine includes at least one scanner,wherein the at least one scanner includes at least three light sources,each operable to respectively emit a different color of light, whereinthe at least one scanner includes a plurality of sensors arranged in arow, wherein each sensor is operable to acquire pixel datarepresentative of light intensity, wherein the at least one scanner isoperable to acquire an electronic image of at least one side of adocument as the document moves relative to the row of sensors, whereinthe electronic image comprises a plurality of respective parallel scanlines corresponding to respective strips of the at least one side, wherein each respective scan line includes a plurality of pixel datarepresentative of levels of intensity of light reflected from therespective strip and sensed by the sensors for only one of the colors oflight,  wherein the at least one scanner in acquiring the pixel data fora respective scan line, uses the one color to illuminate the respectivestrip, resulting in non use of at least two of the colors inilluminating the respective strip, wherein the electronic image allowsfor generation of a reconstructed electronic image of the at least oneside,  wherein for each respective scan line corresponding to arespective strip, the reconstructed electronic image includes theacquired pixel data and additional pixel data interpolated using atleast one adjacent scan line adjacent to the respective scan line, wherein the additional pixel data is representative of a sensedintensity of light reflected from at least one adjacent strip adjacentto the respective strip, for at least two of the colors not used inilluminating the respective strip.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 5wherein the machine comprises an automated banking machine whichincludes a check acceptor operable to receive checks from machine users,wherein the at least one scanner is operable to acquire an electronicimage of at least one side of a document that comprises a check.
 7. Theapparatus according to claim 6 wherein the machine includes a cashdispenser, wherein the machine is operable to dispense cash in exchangefor at least one check.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 5 whereinthe machine is associated with at least one processor, wherein the atleast one processor is operable to generate the reconstructed electronicimage.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the at least oneprocessor is operable to interpolate the additional pixel dataresponsive at least in part to the relative proximity of the at leastone adjacent scan line to the respective scan line.
 10. The apparatusaccording to claim 8 wherein the machine includes the at least oneprocessor.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the lightsources include a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED.
 12. Theapparatus according to claim 5 wherein at least one set of threesequentially adjacent scan lines of the electronic image includes: afirst scan line comprising pixel data acquired during only illuminationof a first one of the light sources; a second scan line comprising pixeldata acquired during only illumination of a second one of the lightsources; and a third scan line comprising pixel data acquired duringonly illumination of a third one of the light sources.
 13. Apparatuscomprising: an automated transaction machine, wherein the machineincludes at least one reader operable to read machine user data usableto identify a financial account with which a transaction can be carriedout through use of the machine, wherein the machine includes at leastone scanner, wherein the at least one scanner includes at least threelight sources, each operable to respectively emit a different color oflight, wherein the at least one scanner includes a plurality of sensorsarranged in a row, wherein each sensor is operable to acquire pixel datarepresentative of light intensity, wherein the at least one scanner isoperable to acquire an electronic image of at least one side of adocument as the document moves relative to the row of sensors, whereinthe electronic image comprises a plurality of respective parallel scanlines corresponding to respective strips of the at least one side, wherein each respective scan line includes a plurality of pixel datarepresentative of levels of intensity of light reflected from therespective strip and sensed by the sensors for only two of the colors oflight,  wherein the at least one scanner in acquiring the pixel data fora respective scan line, uses the two colors to sequently illuminate therespective strip, resulting in non use of at least one of the colors inilluminating the respective strip, wherein the electronic image allowsfor generation of a reconstructed electronic image of the at least oneside,  wherein for each respective scan line corresponding to arespective strip, the reconstructed electronic image includes theacquired pixel data and additional pixel data interpolated using atleast one adjacent scan line adjacent to the respective scan line, wherein the additional pixel data is representative of a sensedintensity of light reflected from at least one adjacent strip adjacentto the respective strip, for at least one of the colors not used inilluminating the respective strip.
 14. The apparatus according to claim13 wherein the machine comprises an automated banking machine whichincludes a check acceptor operable to receive checks from machine users,wherein the at least one scanner is operable to acquire an electronicimage of at least one side of a document that comprises a check.
 15. Theapparatus according to claim 14 wherein the machine includes a cashdispenser, wherein the machine is operable to dispense cash in exchangefor at least one check.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 13 whereinthe machine is associated with at least one processor, wherein the atleast one processor is operable to generate the reconstructed electronicimage.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the at least oneprocessor is operable to interpolate the additional pixel dataresponsive at least in part to the relative proximity of the at leastone adjacent scan line to the respective scan line.
 18. The apparatusaccording to claim 16 wherein the machine includes the at least oneprocessor.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the lightsources include a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED.
 20. Theapparatus according to claim 13 wherein at least one set of threesequentially adjacent scan lines of the electronic image includes: afirst scan line comprising pixel data acquired during only illuminationof a first pair of the light sources; a second scan line comprisingpixel data acquired during only illumination of a second pair of thelight sources, wherein the second pair differs from the first pair; anda third scan line comprising pixel data acquired during onlyillumination of a third pair of the light sources, wherein the thirdpair differs from the first pair, wherein the third pair differs fromthe second pair.